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SMMWU’s Secretary General, Bro. John de Payva extended an invitation to UNI Apro Executive Committee to this historical occasion. The dinner celebration of the 50^th anniversary of SMMWU was attended by the UNI Apro Executive Committee together with Bro. Philip Jennings and Bro Philip Bowyer.

Of particular significance for UNI Apro was to be able to meet with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong and to listen to his take on the global financial crisis and how a global city like Singapore would deal with the crisis.

“This was why we must make the extra effort to stay united...think through our problems calmly and rationally, and work together to overcome this challenge. Unions such as SMMWU are key assets in Singapore's tripartite partnership and have important responsibilities in this downturn”.

In his speech, Prime Minister Lee noted the importance of how cooperation between the Government, unions and businesses has been a key advantage for Singapore as it tries to pull through this downturn.

SMMWU Secretary General, Bro. John De Payva, in his speech announced that the union had raised some S$ 500,000 to help needy union workers and their families to tide over this difficult times. The money was raised from the dinner proceeds, donations and the launch of its 50^th anniversary book which chronicles the struggles of the SMMWU.

UNI Apro would like to congratulate SMMWU on its 50^th anniversary.

The Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union represents 85,000 workers from sectors like retail, food manufacturing and logistics and currently has 240 branches in Singapore.