SINGAPORE — Members of Parliament (MPs) from the labour movement intend to address issues such as the challenges faced by older workers during re-employment, those of school-leavers as they enter the workforce and work-life balance for women in the workforce during the two-week Budget debate which kicks off today.

Speaking at the official launch yesterday of a new chapter to look after the needs of real estate agents here, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) chief Lim Swee Say said labour MPs aim to “relate the aspiration and anxiety of workers of all categories, in terms of where they are today and what more can be done to ensure all Singaporeans can live better in a better Singapore”.

The MPs will first debate the Government’s Budget statement, then scrutinise the spending plans of the ministries.

The new chapter, which has seen 500 of the estimated 32,000 real estate agents in Singapore taking up membership, will be under the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union (SISEU).

SISEU President Tan Peng Heng said the union is also exploring areas such as medical, insurance and professional indemnity for members, who will be able to take professional development courses at subsidised prices.

The NTUC is also looking to expand its scope of representation for creative professionals such as freelance graphic designers and copywriters. It is in discussions with the public sector and professional associations on the matter.