SM Lee calls for renewed tripartite ties to safeguard port jobs amid AI, trade headwinds

Singaporean Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged the Singapore Port Workers Union (SPWU) and port management to foster a strong partnership to safeguard jobs amid AI advancements and changing trade dynamics during the SPWU's 80th anniversary celebration on October 17. At the event held at The Ritz-Carlton, Lee emphasized the need for continuous reskilling to help workers adapt to technology-driven roles and secure their long-term livelihoods.

The port industry has undergone several transformations over the years, with the introduction of automated guided vehicles and other technologies which required workers to upgrade their skills. Lee highlighted the challenges faced by the industry today, including supply chain disruptions, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, as well as the potential impact of green fuels and AI-driven technologies.

He called for a renewed tripartite compact among unions, port management, and the government to support this transition and ensure fair distribution of benefits. Singapore's port handled a record-high of 44.66 million TEUs in 2025, with Tuas Port projected to handle 65 TEUs when fully consolidated by 2040s. Lee recounted the past six decades of Singapore's port's success, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust forged through laborious change and personal adjustment.

He highlighted the establishment of new port locations and the need for workers to adapt to new working environments and commute arrangements. The SPWU played a crucial role in negotiating favorable deals for workers during retrenchments and facilitating the transition to new work locations. Lee expressed gratitude to the SPWU for their forward-looking approach, contrasting it with unions in other ports that resist technological progress.