TAN Soon Yam
History of the Labour Movement,
Accession Number 001552
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 6
Total Reels
- Irene Quah (Mrs)
Interviewer
- 02:30:00
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 6
Metadata
- 18 Aug 1994
Recording Date
- 00:31:22
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. Switched from Chinese to English stream during primary school education. Achieved Grade 3 in Senior Cambridge in 1958. Life during Japanese Occupation: Family did farming. Student life in Chinese school, leisure activities as students. Expressed views and recalled anti-British activities, eg: demonstration, Hock Lee Bus riot. Involved in 1955 election. His work experience as clerk. Realisation of importance of having a union.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 6
Metadata
- 18 Aug 1994
Recording Date
- 00:22:05
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Joined Industrial Workers' Union (IWU). Formed branch union in 1960. Elected as chairman. Cited common grievances. Shared sensitivity of union formation in company then. Elected Vice President and executive council member IWU. Political development led formation of Singapore Association of Trade Unions (SATU) and Barisan Sosialis. IWU attracted pro-Barisan workers from general industries. NAFI left to form Food Drinks & Allied Workers' Union (FDAWU). Afraid of such members used union as political vehicle. Union position threatened. IWU attempted to stay neutral in political preference. IWU affiliate of STUC (Singapore Trades Union Congress).
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 6
Metadata
- 26 Aug 1994
Recording Date
- 00:31:07
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Reason for branch union to join National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Described role in Food Drinks & Allied Workers' Union (FDAWU) before and during his post as general secretary. Meeting routines and consultative council. Reiterate relationships between FDAWU and NTUC. Described campaign works, competition for members in hotel/catering industries.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Loading...
Loading...
Reel/Disc 6 of 6
Metadata
- 26 Aug 1994
Recording Date
- 00:03:33
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
View of the make-up of trade unionists, needs of union members, then and now.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
