1946 - 1961
Twelve unions were set up for local seamen without much success. They also did not last.

1962 - 1970
No registered trade union existed to serve local seamen.

1971

Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) was registered on 30th October 1971.

"Our seamen at that time were facing a lot of problems. Their working conditions were appalling. The need for a union had never been greater" - late Mr R A Hamid, President of SOS.

SOS's immediate task then was to claim recognition from all shipping companies affiliated to Singapore Maritime Employers' Federation (SMEF) and Singapore Shipping Association (SSA). SMEF, however regarded itself as an employer and not a trade union of employers. The Federation objected to the serving of claims for recognition on the individual shipping companies and not on SMEF itself.

SOS rejected the SMEF's objection.

1972

SMEF acceded to the SOS's position that the shipping companies, and not SMEF, were the actual employers of seamen.

International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) launched a campaign to boycott ships with "Crew of Convenience" (COC) or "Flag of Convenience" (FOC).

Started Collective Agreement negotiations. But SOS and the maritime employers could not agree on what constituted fair wages and decent working conditions for seafarers. Talks with employers broke down.

1973

Singapore ships which were deemed to be COC or FOC ships were boycotted by the Waterside Workers' Federation of Australia, an affiliate of the ITF.

Ministry of Labour stepped in to resolve the dispute. A Board of Inquiry was set up under the Industrial Relations Act. NTUC helped SOS to present its case to the inquiry.

International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) held its first regional Seminar - "ITF Asian Labour Educators' Seminar" in Singapore.

1974

The Board of Inquiry came out with the first part of its recommendations providing for enhanced pay for seafarers. It took effect from 1st January 1974.

Most foreign shipping companies and Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines implemented the recommendations in full. SSA members, however, did not want to backdate the enhanced pay to 1st January 1974.

SOS turned to NTUC for help.

After NTUC's strong representation in support of full implementation, the Ministry of Labour ruled that SSA members had to comply.

1975

20 SSA members paid out a total of about $1 million in backdated wages to 1,800 seamen.

SOS membership rose to 4000 by the end of 1975.

1976

SOS concluded six Collective Agreements covering 25 vessels and more than 500 members.

SOS membership continued to rise to 5000 by the end of 1976.

1977

SOS continued to conclude more Collective Agreements with shipowners and shipping companies, all with enhanced wages and fringe benefits as well as improvements in working conditions. More than 800 Singapore seamen served on board ships covered by SOS Collective Agreements.

1978

Launched SOS Membership Benefit Scheme to provide full range of welfare benefits for members and their dependents.

Started orientation course for crews joining Collective Agreement ships. Subjects covered the International Trade Union Movement and Role and Responsibilities of members.

SOS moved its office from the Trade Union House to a more spacious 2000 sq. ft located at nearby NTUC Trade Union Annexe, Shenton Way.

1979

The SOS, together with other Asian Seafarers' Unions organised the 1st and 2nd Asian Seafarers Conferences in Singapore. In both conferences, Asian Seafarers Unions re-affirmed their solidarity and resolved to work together to try to change ITF policies that were prejudicial to the interest of Asian seafarers.

"With whatever resources at its command, the protem secretariat will give top priority to the strengthening of the bonds of fraternal solidarity and goodwill among the various unions of Asian seafarers which have expressed their support, in one way or other for unification of the Asian Seafarers." ~ late Mr R. A. Hamid, Chairman, Asian Seafarers' Pro-tem Secretariat.

National Wage Council included seamen within the ambit of its recommendations. Seamen would be eligible for wage increase as recommended by NWC.

1980

The first Collective Agreement with National Line - Neptune Orient Lines - was signed on 14th January 1980, covering 275 crew members and 19 vessels.

The Union's quarterly bulletin, "SAMUDRA" first came out in August 1980. With the publication of "Samudra", SOS strengthened its link with its members by keeping them better informed about the Union's activities.