Singapore Labour Foundation Founded in 1977, the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF) was set up to promote the welfare of trade union members and further the development of the trade union movement in Singapore. With initial funding from trade unions, labour cooperatives and employers, SLF started off by providing bursaries and scholarships to children of members of trade unions as well as educational funds for workers to pursue further studies or undergo skills training. It also launched welfare schemes to provide financial assistance to victims of industrial accidents and their families.
In the mid- 1980s, the SLF embarked on the development of large- scale holiday resorts and country clubs for workers. In 1996, SLF introduced a group insurance scheme to cover all union members, up to the age of 65 against death and permanent total disabilities from accidents or natural causes. As of 2006, SLF’s membership comprised 76 institutional members including nine co- operatives and 67 unions and associations. SLF is funded mainly by contributions from unions and co- operatives, and returns from investments.