SINGAPORE: A total of 63 organisations and individuals were lauded on Friday (May 20) for their outstanding efforts in caring for and being fair to workers, as well as improving their skills.

They received the inaugural May Day Partnership Awards given out by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

The National Taxi Association is one of the recipients under the Care Award category, which recognises organisations for initiatives that benefit workers and make the workplace more family-friendly.

It introduced the Drive and Save Scheme in January 2011, to encourage taxi principal hirers to save for future medical needs. Under the scheme, the drivers contribute S$15 monthly to their Medisave account, and their respective taxi operator co-contributes another S$15.

Under the Fair Award category, companies were celebrated for safeguarding workers’ interests, ensuring fair wages and having fair processes in hiring Singaporeans.

One recipient is Home-Fix D.I.Y., an SME employing about 150 workers, about 70 per cent of which are Singaporeans. It has implemented measures to attract locals such as flexible work arrangements and a five-day work week for frontline staff.

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore, is one recipient under the Grow Award category. It launched a leadership programme for young engineers to help them stay ahead of future challenges. It also introduced a programme to groom senior engineers for management and leadership roles.

Five individuals also received the “Inspirational Worker” award for their accomplishments in picking up new skills or upgrading their skills.