The Big Story: Retrenched and looking for help? More professionals are turning to unions

Singapore’s labour market has remained relatively resilient, with unemployment staying low in recent years. But beneath that stability, concerns are growing among professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) about job security, restructuring, and the impact of AI on white-collar work. Last year, NTUC handled more than 3,900 PME retrenchment and termination cases — a 5% increase from the year before — with many linked to offshoring, restructuring, and technological disruption. So today, we explore why more PMEs are turning to unions for support, and whether professionals are becoming more vulnerable in an evolving economy. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC and Elected Member of Parliament, Pioneer SMC, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.