20 SMRT bus drivers assisting police in investigations

20 SMRT bus drivers assisting police in investigations
By Kimberly Spykerman, Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 28 November 2012 1745 hrs
     
SINGAPORE: Most of the bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over a pay dispute have returned to work except for six who had valid medical reasons.

Providing an update at a media conference, transport operator SMRT said that 20 bus drivers from China and SMRT personnel are assisting the police in their investigations.

SMRT added that disciplinary action will be taken against those who didn't turn up for work and didn't have valid reasons but did not disclose what the disciplinary action would include.

At the conference, SMRT also clarified the pay of their bus drivers which was at the heart of illegal strikes this week.

It said drivers from China are hired on two-year contracts unlike those from Malaysia who are employed on a permanent basis.

SMRT said while the starting pay for drivers from China is lower, the company provides them with accommodation and utilities, as well as transport to the workplace.

In July, bus drivers on permanent employment received an increment in their starting pay while a special increment of S$75 was given to China nationals out of goodwill.

Another round of salary adjustments for those on permanent employment was made in October and a similar adjustment of S$25 per month for China nationals was finalised last week.

Unfortunately, the illegal strike took place even before the bus drivers knew about their salary adjustments.

In a statement, labour movement NTUC said management should recognise the positive role the union can play.

NTUC added that the majority of foreign bus drivers in SMRT have not joined the union.

SMRT's executive vice president for roads & commercial, Mr Teo Chew Hoon, said: "We encourage our drivers to join the unions so that they can be represented. Perhaps we didn't do enough to encourage them.

SMRT pointed out that drivers had been given a special increment before this even though such an increase was not in their contract.

The public transport operator said it pays competitive market wages.

It added that its remuneration packages for service leaders from China and Malaysia are equitable, with the foreign worker levy, as well as transport, accommodation and utilities covered.

Turning to concerns over dormitory conditions, SMRT acknowledged that swifter actions could have been taken.

It has decided to provide alternative accommodation when the leases for the dormitories expire from early 2013.

SMRT noted that the drivers had concerns over issues such as bed bugs at the dormitories provided by private operators.

Fumigation works, which were scheduled at the Woodlands dormitory, will be carried out as soon as possible.

Measures such as remedial works on fittings are already underway.

SMRT's management had assured the drivers, or Service Leaders (SLs), during the discussion on November 26 that it will review and address their concerns.

It will share its decision with them next week.

Mr Teo said: "There are lessons from this episode, including how we can better engage our SLs and we will improve in this area. In the meantime, we are doing our utmost to make immediate improvements to their living conditions. For majority of our Chinese SLs who are putting their best in their duties, I would like to reassure them that we continue to value their services."

SMRT said the attendance of drivers is back to normal and that all its bus services are running as scheduled.

It added that the six drivers who did not turn for work on Wednesday morning had valid reasons for being absent.

- CNA/fa

- wong chee tat :)