NTUC

NTUC stands for the National Trades Union Congress, the national confederation of trade unions in Singapore. Established in 1961, NTUC serves as the umbrella organization for the country’s unions and coordinates the labor movement. It represents workers through its affiliated unions, engages with employers and the government on wage standards, working conditions, and social protection, and promotes skills development and workforce upgrading.

NTUC operates across three main areas: the union movement, the social enterprise arm, and policy and training activities. Its affiliated unions cover public and private sector workers across industries, while its social enterprises deliver services such as groceries, healthcare, education, and recreation. Notable entities include NTUC FairPrice, a cooperative grocery chain; NTUC Health, which runs healthcare and eldercare services; NTUC LearningHub, which provides training and professional development; and NTUC Enterprise, the holding group for cooperative ventures.

The organization plays a central role in Singapore’s tripartite framework, collaborating with the government and employers to shape labor policy, wage progression, and social safety nets. It supports lifelong learning through SkillsFuture-aligned programs and participates in collective bargaining at sector and national levels. Internationally, NTUC is connected to global labor networks through memberships in regional and international trade union bodies.

As a leading voice of the Singaporean labor movement, NTUC seeks to balance the needs of workers with the country’s economic development, aiming to improve employment opportunities, income security, and social welfare.