Employment security threatened in Asia : lessons from Singapore

"The sudden reversal of fortunes in the Asian economies is having a major impact on employment. During the decade of rapid growth preceding this latest calamity, Asian workers were spoiled for choice of work, either within their own countries or in the neighbouring countries where jobs ranging from professional and technical positions to '3D' occupations (those that are dangerous, dirty and difficult) were abundant. The relatively cheap, abundant supply of labour - often skilled and disciplined as well - was an oft cited reason for Asia's ability to complete [sic] globally. The scenario now is instead dominated by massive retrenchments, decline in new hiring, underemployment, and the repatriation of foreign workers. Employment systems throughout the region are showing inadequacy in dealing with the decline in job security. Workers' demands of job protection, income protection and job creation are proving to be a challenge that can derive some lessons from Singapore's experience with structuring its employment and industrial relations system over the past three decades."--p. 1.