Pricilla Manio Meyer may appear quiet and unassuming, but she has been a strong pillar of support to workers in SPH Media.
The Creative Media Publishing Union (CMPU) executive committee member’s involvement in SPH Media’s collective agreement proves it.
As an employee of SPH Media’s Radio Business Unit for over 30 years, she advocated for multiple benefits for fellow colleagues, ranging from salaries to flexible work arrangements (FWA).
“Holiday subsidies were incorporated into salaries and became more streamlined. Employees were not left worse off, and no one was short changed.
“I also work to support the events and activities [in SPH Media],’’ shared Pricilla, who received the Comrade of Labour award at the NTUC May Day Awards 2023.
Flexibility is Key
Pricilla is a strong advocate for FWA, as she has personally benefited from it.
She explained: “My husband suffered a stroke five years ago and has been in and out of hospitals.
“I don’t have any immediate family members around, and my daughter works outside of Singapore.
“Because I can work from home, I can keep track of his doctor’s appointments and rehabilitation schedule like his speech therapy and occupational therapy. At the same time, I can attend to my husband’s needs.
“The FWA has been a great help for a caregiver like me.’’
She also believes that the FWA promotes work-life balance and enables workers to meet family needs more effectively.
Helping and Empowering Others
Pricilla is also a passionate believer in helping and empowering others to reach their potential.
The NTUC Women’s Committee member makes time to volunteer in activities organised by the union.
She shared: “The NTUC Women’s Committee launched the C U Back at Work! programme. Members would go on house-to-house visits to encourage women to come back to work. There are also training programmes provided for [these women].’’
Pricilla also took part in NTUC U Women and Family’s activities such as the cookie baking event for single mothers in 2021.
She elaborated: “Based on my observation, there are more women who are willing to step up and get involved in union-related matters. Some of them attend union events beyond their working hours.
“We baked and bagged the cookies and distributed them to the single mothers. It is a good feeling to get [involved in] these kinds of activities.’’
She also encourages workers to be future-ready.
Pricilla explained: “I think we need to accept and adapt to changes as well as take upskilling courses for continuous [lifelong] learning.
“[I encourage people to] learn new software applications and acquire new knowledge. [They can] also take a self-interest course, be it online or classroom based.
“I also think we need to respect the younger generation’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas. They are the future and will take the world in their direction.’’
Staying Active When She Retires
At 61, Pricilla knows that she is approaching the retirement age soon, but has no plans to slow down.
She intends to spend her time fruitfully with activities ranging from volunteering and self-fulfilment.
Pricilla elaborated: “I want to live life to the fullest. I want to volunteer and do charity work. [I hope to] volunteer at homes for the aged and senior citizen living centres where I can play the ukelele for them and entertain them.’’