Under an ammendment to the Trade Unions Act approved by parliament, union leaders no longer need to seek approval from their members for any agreements they have reached with management.

The only union to be affected by the changes is the Air Line Pilots Association Singapore (ALPA-S), whose members sacked its leadership last year for agreeing to pay cuts with management, triggering the government action.

"Presently only ALPA-S will be affected by this change but the amendment will also override any future role, rule or resolution by a trade union which requires agreements to be ratified by union members," said Acting Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Ng, speaking in parliament before the amendment was passed, said the move was necessary to protect the unique tripartite partnership between the government, unions and employers that has served as the bedrock of industrial harmony in Singapore.

"This special bond between the three partners spurred growth, created jobs and raised standards of living for all," said Ng.

"We should vigorously guard this framework and be alert to practices that over time, if left unchecked, undermine our labour relations."

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