YEARS OF PROGRESS
ABOUT US
Discover UWEEI's journey over the past 45 years
The United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries (UWEEI) is an affiliate union to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Founded in 1981, UWEEI represents almost 64,000 workers in the electronics and electrical industry and is one of the largest unions in Singapore.
Since its introduction, UWEEI has offered a range of services and benefits to its members, including training and development programmes, social and recreational activities, advisory and representation on workplace matters.
Our Formation
Building the Foundation for Better Representation
A GROWING NEED FOR REPRESENTATION
Before 1981
Workers in the electrical and electronics sector, along with those in other industries, were represented by two large omnibus unions: the Pioneer Industrial Employees Union (PIEU) and the Singapore Industrial Labour Organisation (SILO). However, a series of developments in the 1980s led to the restructuring of both unions.
SETTING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR UWEEI
2 MARCH 1981
Then NTUC Secretary-General Mr Lim Chee Onn appointed a Pro-Term Committee, chaired by Mr Suktwindar Singh, to explore the formation of a dedicated union for members of the electronics and electrical divisions of SILO and PIEU.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION OF UWEEI
14 JULY 1981
United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI) was officially registered with the Registrar of Trade Unions (RTU). This marked the establishment of UWEEI as an industry-wide union representing workers in the electronics and electrical industries.
FIRST EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ELECTED
19 JULY 1981
248 UWEEI delegates gathered at the DBS Auditorium for the Inaugural Convention of Delegates. During the convention, delegates elected UWEEI's first Executive Council (EXCO), comprising leaders from its branches. Tasked with representing over 87,000 workers in the electronics and electrical industries, the EXCO would lead the union in safeguarding workers' well-being and advancing their interests in a rapidly evolving industry.
Our Milestones
Growing Our Impact for Workers
RELOCATION TO TEMBELING CENTRE
9 NOVEMBER 1990
As UWEEI's membership grew, so did the need for a larger home. After nearly a decade at the Bukit Timah Industrial Union House, UWEEI marked a new chapter with the opening of its headquarters at Tembeling Centre by then Deputy Prime Minister and NTUC Secretary-General Mr Ong Teng Cheong. The new headquarters reflected the Union's expanding role in championing workers' interests and continues to serve as UWEEI's home today.
INTRODUCTION OF HEADQUARTERS BRANCH MEMBERSHIP
1991
UWEEI launched Headquarters (HQ) Branch membership to extend union membership to workers who could not be represented at their workplaces. The initiative also enabled members to remain with UWEEI after moving to non-unionised companies within the industry. The pioneering initiative was later adopted nationally through NTUC's General Branch membership in 1996.
INTRODUCTION OF COMPANY-FUNDED UNION MEMBERSHIP SUBSIDIES
1997
In partnership with its unionised companies, UWEEI introduced company-funded union membership subsidies, enabling more workers to enjoy union membership at a subsidised rate through their employers. The initiative expanded access to union benefits, strengthened employer partnerships, and helped grow membership to over 40,000 by 1998.
LAUNCH OF WAFER FABRICATION (WSQ) SKILLS QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK
2009
UWEEI launched the Wafer Fabrication Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework with six companies, providing nationally recognised skills certification for around 7,000 Professionals, Managers and Engineers (PMEs). The initiative supported skills upgrading, cross-training, and workforce productivity while strengthening companies' competitiveness.
VICTORY FOR FAIR RETRENCHMENT BENEFITS
2012
UWEEI secured a landmark Industrial Arbitration Court ruling for 98 retrenched members from Sealing Technologies Pte Ltd. Represented by then NTUC Director (Legal Services and PME Unit), and current UWEEI General Secretary, Patrick Tay, the Union successfully secured the retrenchment benefits owed to the workers, reaffirming the importance of union representation in protecting workers' rights.
LAUNCH OF THE J.U.S.T. SKILLS AND TRAINING PROGRAMME
2023
The J.U.S.T. Programme was introduced to equip Singaporean mid-career workers with the skills to progress into higher-skilled roles, from operators to technicians and technicians to assistant engineers. In partnership with industry, the programme creates opportunities for career growth while strengthening workforce capabilities.