What does a unionist do from 9 to 5 each day? Not everybody knows. But for Evlyn Chan, a unionist since 2008, becoming a unionist definitely did not happen just by chance.
“I always remember my mum, who will encourage me to work for a company with a union, she shared with me that the union will always protect their members and it was always etched in my mind,” commented Evlyn as she shares the start of her unionist journey. It was with this thought in mind that Evlyn joined the union and recently became a delegate for the Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE). She was also encouraged by her fellow unionists and mentors to always ask if unsure.
“Everyone is just like family to me, and ever since I joined the union till now, the idea remains the same, we are here to help employees, serving them to the utmost of our abilities.” Evlyn shares as she likened the union to a big family.
She shares that while organising events including the Bursary awards for her members can be nerve wrecking, everyone worked closely together for a common goal for the event to be a success. And this common goal also kept her going as she sees how students came forward with their parents to collect the award. It warms her heart to know that the efforts the union put in went a long way in helping her members do better in life.
“I am also very encouraged by having the seniors letting me have free reign for the event. When they said that I was in-charge, they allowed me to decide and gave valuable advice on the side. This gave me the confidence required to complete the event successfully and for that I am thankful!” shares Evlyn as she recalls that she had to make the call for registration segment of the event.
Evlyn shares how Young NTUC and being a unionist gave her opportunities to better herself as a person. Besides becoming more extroverted, she also saw things from different perspectives and was able to put herself in the shoes of the employer also, and not just the employee.
“My dream is to be able to just help my members, to help them convey messages to the management and most importantly, help keep things fair for everyone. If I am able to help in any way possible, it brings me more happiness than I believe it brings them,” Evlyn spoke with a welcoming smile.
She opined that in the union, teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results and not being afraid to share is the first step in overcoming the obstacles ahead.
