NTUC to expand, hire

THE labour movement's 12 social enterprises are going on the 'offensive' during the downturn - by expanding operations and hiring more local workers.

There are 1,200 jobs on offer, ranging from cashiers to childcare teachers.

Explaining the expansion plans, labour chief Lim Swee Say said on Monday that 'bad times are the best times' to build up capabilities and stay competitive.

For instance, its supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice is opening five new stores this year and its childcare cooperative, First Campus, plans to add 30 centres by next year.

Even before the growth, group revenue from the social enterprises rose to $5.6 billion in the financial year that ended in March, a rise from $5 billion in the previous year.

But the push to ramp up is not just profit-driven.

Mr Lim said the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC) 12 social enterprises are keen to do their part to save and create jobs, and offer affordable goods and services, because the economic crisis may not be abating.

'The global economy is showing signs of recovery, and some speculate that the worst is behind us,' said Mr Lim, NTUC's secretary-general.

'But the labour movement does not share that optimism.'

Mr Lim, flanked by the chief executives of the 12 social enterprises at a media conference, was sharing plans of how they can 'do more good' this year.

When asked why he preferred to be pessimistic, he said: 'It's not that I'm not happy, but I'm cautious about being complacent.'

- The Straits Times