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UNI Global Union has sent its condolences to the family of leader regarded as the architect of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew after he passed away earlier this week.

In a message to Singapore affiliates, UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings said the death of the founding father of Singapore closed a unique chapter in both the history of the country and the wider Asian region. He described the former Singaporean Prime Minister who was in office for 31 years, as a leader who transformed the destiny of a nation and a region.

Jennings said Lee Kuan Yew’s dedication to working people was clear.

“When we look back through time we recognize his commitment to workers and to the labour movement and we recall his work with the Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union for better pay and terms. His engagement in the dispute left a major mark on him and also that of the nation which was in its earliest days,” Jennings said.

Jennings quoted Lee Kuan Yew’s own words of support for the labour movement which he said were more relevant than ever in this time of fast moving economic and technological transformation, coupled with growing inequality. 

Lee Kuan Yew said, “In Government, I have never forgotten that it is in the interest of the workers and their unions that we must strive for growth and development. In other words, growth is meaningless unless it is shared by the workers; shared not only directly in wage increases but indirectly in better homes, better schools, better hospitals, better playing fields and, generally, in healthier environment for families to bring up their children.”

UNI APRO Regional Secretary, Chris Ng, added his sincere condolences on behalf of all UNI APRO affiliates.