Sunday, December 2, 2012
欧元区上个月的失业率创新高
1/12/2012
欧元区上个月的失业率创新高
欧元区上个月的失业率创新高，达到1千870万人，显示债务危机持续令当地的经济陷入衰退。
数据显示，欧元区17国10月份的失业率高达百分之11.7，比9月高出0.1个百分点，超过17万人在上个月失去工作。11月份的膨胀率则从10月份的百分之2.5下滑到百分之2.2。
欧盟中央银行行长德拉吉警告，欧元区在明年下半年才有望从经济衰退中复苏。他说，欧元区各国采取的财政紧缩措施，将在短期内继续影响经济成长。
- wong chee tat :)
欧元区上个月的失业率创新高
欧元区上个月的失业率创新高，达到1千870万人，显示债务危机持续令当地的经济陷入衰退。
数据显示，欧元区17国10月份的失业率高达百分之11.7，比9月高出0.1个百分点，超过17万人在上个月失去工作。11月份的膨胀率则从10月份的百分之2.5下滑到百分之2.2。
欧盟中央银行行长德拉吉警告，欧元区在明年下半年才有望从经济衰退中复苏。他说，欧元区各国采取的财政紧缩措施，将在短期内继续影响经济成长。
- wong chee tat :)
European observation satellite launched
European observation satellite launched
Posted: 02 December 2012 1100 hrs
PARIS: A Soyuz rocket carrying the European civil and military observation satellite Pleiades 1B took off late Saturday from the space centre in French Guiana, television footage showed.
The fourth takeoff of the Russian rocket from Kourou space centre in the Latin American country had been delayed by 24 hours after a snag had halted the countdown.
Pleiades 1B was to join its twin Pleiades 1A, launched nearly a year ago by another Soyuz rocket, in circular orbit at around 700 kilometres (440 miles) altitude.
- AFP/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 02 December 2012 1100 hrs
PARIS: A Soyuz rocket carrying the European civil and military observation satellite Pleiades 1B took off late Saturday from the space centre in French Guiana, television footage showed.
The fourth takeoff of the Russian rocket from Kourou space centre in the Latin American country had been delayed by 24 hours after a snag had halted the countdown.
Pleiades 1B was to join its twin Pleiades 1A, launched nearly a year ago by another Soyuz rocket, in circular orbit at around 700 kilometres (440 miles) altitude.
- AFP/xq
- wong chee tat :)
29 SMRT bus drivers' work permits revoked, will be repatriated
29 SMRT bus drivers' work permits revoked, will be repatriated
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 01 December 2012 1707 hrs
SINGAPORE: One more SMRT bus driver from China will be charged and another 29 sent back for their involvement in an illegal strike over their pay and living conditions earlier this week.
At a news conference on Saturday, the Manpower and Transport Ministries also took SMRT to task for lapses in its internal processes.
Despite the grievances raised by the bus drivers from China, the government reiterated that the workers had crossed the line and broken the law.
Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said: "We have been very deliberate and measured in our actions. The government has taken into account the roles that the bus drivers played in the strike action and also the recalcitrance of the bus drivers who had participated in the strike on the second day as well despite our efforts to persuade them to abort their plans and to return to work the following day."
Twenty-nine drivers were rounded up on Saturday morning and are now in custody. Their work permits have been revoked and they will be repatriated. They were absent from work on either or both days of the illegal strike on 26 and 27 November, without reason. Although some had medical certificates, authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
The fifth person to be charged was said to be hostile and aggressive. On Thursday, four others have been charged with instigating the strike.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off. Police will issue warning letters to them and barring any new developments there should not be any further arrests or repatriation.
Mr Tan said the rest, who can continue working in Singapore, are said to have been coerced or threatened to join the strike.
There were strong words also for SMRT.
Mr Tan said the transport operator could have done better to manage the concerns of its workers. The incident he said was a timely reminder for employers to look into their obligations to workers.
He said: "SMRT must take steps to ensure that such severe breakdowns in labour relations should not happen again. We all know that there are statutory requirements that companies need to fulfil and these are expected of all companies but there are also many non-statutory practices which frankly any good company should fulfil as well and this includes how you manage your staff, employees, how you engage them and how you look after them, looking after their welfare and this includes both local and foreign employees and frankly it is common sense, companies are expected to do that.
"The issue is really why did this happen? Why was it allowed to fester? We do understand that the channels of communication are there. So the question is, did it filter upwards? Did it not filter upwards? And why not? And those are things we have to examine," Mr Tan said.
He acknowledged that one issue that needs to be looked into is the pay for bus drivers. The China workers are unhappy over their increment and remuneration compared to their colleagues from Malaysia.
Mr Tan added by and large, companies in Singapore do treat their workers well, be they locals or foreigners. But the government wants to promote better employment practices.
And given the shortfall of drivers, the Transport Ministry said commuters should expect some delays on certain routes.
Forty-five additional drivers will be mobilised within the week after they are trained and familiarised with routes and equipment. These drivers are on loan from the other transport operator SBS Transit and private bus operators.
Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said SMRT has also recalled its off-duty drivers as well as training instructors to make up for the shortfall.
It will take SMRT another two to three months to recruit new drivers and train them.
The government has also called on Singaporeans to be circumspect in their response to the incident.
Ms Teo said: "I think it's fair to say that some drivers regretted their actions and also they have chosen to go back to work. So I think we should not cast doubts firstly on their competence and secondly on their willingness and commitment to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. I think anymore casting of aspersions on their willingness to do their job properly is not helpful.
"I think we want to encourage them to continue their conversation with management, resolve their differences. Most importantly, we want them to continue to put the safety of commuters as their first priority.
On whether the incident will affect bilateral relations with China, Mr Tan said this is not a bilateral issue but a case where the law is violated.
"It's important not to politicise the issues," he added.
The Manpower Ministry said it is in talks with the Chinese Embassy.
In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Mr Tan said: "There are many bus drivers, whether local or foreign, who continue to work hard, diligently and conscientiously discharging their duties every day bearing Singaporeans to and fro.
"All employees in Singapore, local or foreign, play an important role as responsible workers, as members of society, contributing in many ways which we often take for granted.
"So, while we may all have our individual perspectives on the incident, it is important for Singaporeans to be respectful in the way we respond. It would be remiss of us to just generalise about certain groups of people in a less than responsible way. We do need to respect those who continue to work hard to perform their duties."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 01 December 2012 1707 hrs
SINGAPORE: One more SMRT bus driver from China will be charged and another 29 sent back for their involvement in an illegal strike over their pay and living conditions earlier this week.
At a news conference on Saturday, the Manpower and Transport Ministries also took SMRT to task for lapses in its internal processes.
Despite the grievances raised by the bus drivers from China, the government reiterated that the workers had crossed the line and broken the law.
Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said: "We have been very deliberate and measured in our actions. The government has taken into account the roles that the bus drivers played in the strike action and also the recalcitrance of the bus drivers who had participated in the strike on the second day as well despite our efforts to persuade them to abort their plans and to return to work the following day."
Twenty-nine drivers were rounded up on Saturday morning and are now in custody. Their work permits have been revoked and they will be repatriated. They were absent from work on either or both days of the illegal strike on 26 and 27 November, without reason. Although some had medical certificates, authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
The fifth person to be charged was said to be hostile and aggressive. On Thursday, four others have been charged with instigating the strike.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off. Police will issue warning letters to them and barring any new developments there should not be any further arrests or repatriation.
Mr Tan said the rest, who can continue working in Singapore, are said to have been coerced or threatened to join the strike.
There were strong words also for SMRT.
Mr Tan said the transport operator could have done better to manage the concerns of its workers. The incident he said was a timely reminder for employers to look into their obligations to workers.
He said: "SMRT must take steps to ensure that such severe breakdowns in labour relations should not happen again. We all know that there are statutory requirements that companies need to fulfil and these are expected of all companies but there are also many non-statutory practices which frankly any good company should fulfil as well and this includes how you manage your staff, employees, how you engage them and how you look after them, looking after their welfare and this includes both local and foreign employees and frankly it is common sense, companies are expected to do that.
"The issue is really why did this happen? Why was it allowed to fester? We do understand that the channels of communication are there. So the question is, did it filter upwards? Did it not filter upwards? And why not? And those are things we have to examine," Mr Tan said.
He acknowledged that one issue that needs to be looked into is the pay for bus drivers. The China workers are unhappy over their increment and remuneration compared to their colleagues from Malaysia.
Mr Tan added by and large, companies in Singapore do treat their workers well, be they locals or foreigners. But the government wants to promote better employment practices.
And given the shortfall of drivers, the Transport Ministry said commuters should expect some delays on certain routes.
Forty-five additional drivers will be mobilised within the week after they are trained and familiarised with routes and equipment. These drivers are on loan from the other transport operator SBS Transit and private bus operators.
Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said SMRT has also recalled its off-duty drivers as well as training instructors to make up for the shortfall.
It will take SMRT another two to three months to recruit new drivers and train them.
The government has also called on Singaporeans to be circumspect in their response to the incident.
Ms Teo said: "I think it's fair to say that some drivers regretted their actions and also they have chosen to go back to work. So I think we should not cast doubts firstly on their competence and secondly on their willingness and commitment to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. I think anymore casting of aspersions on their willingness to do their job properly is not helpful.
"I think we want to encourage them to continue their conversation with management, resolve their differences. Most importantly, we want them to continue to put the safety of commuters as their first priority.
On whether the incident will affect bilateral relations with China, Mr Tan said this is not a bilateral issue but a case where the law is violated.
"It's important not to politicise the issues," he added.
The Manpower Ministry said it is in talks with the Chinese Embassy.
In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Mr Tan said: "There are many bus drivers, whether local or foreign, who continue to work hard, diligently and conscientiously discharging their duties every day bearing Singaporeans to and fro.
"All employees in Singapore, local or foreign, play an important role as responsible workers, as members of society, contributing in many ways which we often take for granted.
"So, while we may all have our individual perspectives on the incident, it is important for Singaporeans to be respectful in the way we respond. It would be remiss of us to just generalise about certain groups of people in a less than responsible way. We do need to respect those who continue to work hard to perform their duties."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
29 bus drivers who will be repatriated will be paid: SMRT
29 bus drivers who will be repatriated will be paid: SMRT
Posted: 01 December 2012 2156 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT said the 29 drivers who will be repatriated will be paid, before they leave the country. They will be given all salaries, all claims if any, and ex gratia bonuses on a pro-rated basis.
In its statement on Saturday evening, SMRT said there are valuable lessons learnt from this incident which are being addressed by the management.
SMRT said it needs to improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more proactive, responsible and sensitive to the needs of its drivers.
SMRT said: "We are determined to come out stronger from this episode. We want to thank all our drivers for continuing to work hard on the roads to serve our passengers, and we value their service to the company. We will continue to actively engage all drivers at all levels to address their concerns holistically, and work together to make the workplace a more conducive one for everybody."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 December 2012 2156 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT said the 29 drivers who will be repatriated will be paid, before they leave the country. They will be given all salaries, all claims if any, and ex gratia bonuses on a pro-rated basis.
In its statement on Saturday evening, SMRT said there are valuable lessons learnt from this incident which are being addressed by the management.
SMRT said it needs to improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more proactive, responsible and sensitive to the needs of its drivers.
SMRT said: "We are determined to come out stronger from this episode. We want to thank all our drivers for continuing to work hard on the roads to serve our passengers, and we value their service to the company. We will continue to actively engage all drivers at all levels to address their concerns holistically, and work together to make the workplace a more conducive one for everybody."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Police round up more than 20 SMRT bus drivers
Police round up more than 20 SMRT bus drivers
Posted: 01 December 2012 1420 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 20 SMRT bus drivers have been taken from their dormitories on Saturday morning to a processing centre at Admiralty West Prison.
They are believed to have taken part in the illegal strike on Monday and Tuesday.
SMRT said it is assisting police with investigations.
On Monday, 171 SMRT bus drivers took part in the illegal strike over pay dispute at Woodlands Dormitory and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
- CNA/xq/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 December 2012 1420 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 20 SMRT bus drivers have been taken from their dormitories on Saturday morning to a processing centre at Admiralty West Prison.
They are believed to have taken part in the illegal strike on Monday and Tuesday.
SMRT said it is assisting police with investigations.
On Monday, 171 SMRT bus drivers took part in the illegal strike over pay dispute at Woodlands Dormitory and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
- CNA/xq/ck
- wong chee tat :)
PSY's job is to "Gangnam Style" all day and every day
PSY's job is to "Gangnam Style" all day and every day
By Francine Lim, channelnewsasia.com | Posted: 02 December 2012 0009 hrs
SINGAPORE: South Korean sensation PSY was nothing but PSYched to perform his first concert in Singapore as part of a whirlwind concert tour.
The YouTube sensation PSY whose real name is Park Jae-Sang, hit the stage for a special Marina Bay Sands (MBS) "Give Back to Singapore" public show, just hours after landing in Singapore on Saturday afternoon.
The crowd at the MBS Event Plaza had to wait a while for the appearance of the "Gangnam Style" star who had a week's worth of activities around Asia.
"I get tired because of all the requests, an average (of) fifty requests per country, but still the dance allows me to come here," said PSY with a wry smile as he faced the eager media.
"I get tired but I gotta do it," he added.
"Sometimes, honestly, yes, I get tired or I get sick of it because I got so many requests to teach them," said the South Korean singer who was clad in a black suit and his trademark sunglasses.
But PSY said that despite the many times he has performed the number, he still "really like the dance."
This week alone, the South Korean sensation was whoop-whooping in Bangkok at the "Gangnam Style Thailand Extra Live" concert to commemorate the Thai King's 85th birthday, before heading up to Hong Kong where he brought the house down at the 2012 MNet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
The annual award show saw PSY taking home four awards, including the Favourite International Artist, Best Music Video, Best Dance Performance Solo and Song of the Year, so naysayers who believe that "Gangnam Style" is just a one-hit wonder with a chubby man horsing around, need to think again.
"Usually K-Pop is known for their boy bands and girl bands and most of them are really skinny and I'm not skinny. I am proud to get big fame with this body!" said PSY when he met the media before his show at MBS.
"In the last three days, I've traveled three countries, so the schedule is really tight. But I never lost the weight! " he chuckled.
The 34-year-old star, who made YouTube history with his "Gangnam Style" music video clocking over 850 million views to become the most-watched video of all time on the site, still remains pretty grounded, even with his latest honour -- a nomination in the People's Choice category of Time magazine's Person of the Year 2012 contest.
"I'm really honoured to be a candidate...(but) I'm just doing my job," declared PSY while expressing his surprise at the nomination.
With other newsmakers such as US President Barack Obama, China's Communist Party head Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un also nominated for the same award, PSY played down his chances of topping that chart.
"I feel really strange and weird (as to) why I'm there," he said.
"It's not going to happen, I think, and I don't deserve that much. I just did my job," added PSY, who is currently fourth in the online rankings out of 40 candidates.
- CNA/AFP/sf
- wong chee tat :)
By Francine Lim, channelnewsasia.com | Posted: 02 December 2012 0009 hrs
SINGAPORE: South Korean sensation PSY was nothing but PSYched to perform his first concert in Singapore as part of a whirlwind concert tour.
The YouTube sensation PSY whose real name is Park Jae-Sang, hit the stage for a special Marina Bay Sands (MBS) "Give Back to Singapore" public show, just hours after landing in Singapore on Saturday afternoon.
The crowd at the MBS Event Plaza had to wait a while for the appearance of the "Gangnam Style" star who had a week's worth of activities around Asia.
"I get tired because of all the requests, an average (of) fifty requests per country, but still the dance allows me to come here," said PSY with a wry smile as he faced the eager media.
"I get tired but I gotta do it," he added.
"Sometimes, honestly, yes, I get tired or I get sick of it because I got so many requests to teach them," said the South Korean singer who was clad in a black suit and his trademark sunglasses.
But PSY said that despite the many times he has performed the number, he still "really like the dance."
This week alone, the South Korean sensation was whoop-whooping in Bangkok at the "Gangnam Style Thailand Extra Live" concert to commemorate the Thai King's 85th birthday, before heading up to Hong Kong where he brought the house down at the 2012 MNet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
The annual award show saw PSY taking home four awards, including the Favourite International Artist, Best Music Video, Best Dance Performance Solo and Song of the Year, so naysayers who believe that "Gangnam Style" is just a one-hit wonder with a chubby man horsing around, need to think again.
"Usually K-Pop is known for their boy bands and girl bands and most of them are really skinny and I'm not skinny. I am proud to get big fame with this body!" said PSY when he met the media before his show at MBS.
"In the last three days, I've traveled three countries, so the schedule is really tight. But I never lost the weight! " he chuckled.
The 34-year-old star, who made YouTube history with his "Gangnam Style" music video clocking over 850 million views to become the most-watched video of all time on the site, still remains pretty grounded, even with his latest honour -- a nomination in the People's Choice category of Time magazine's Person of the Year 2012 contest.
"I'm really honoured to be a candidate...(but) I'm just doing my job," declared PSY while expressing his surprise at the nomination.
With other newsmakers such as US President Barack Obama, China's Communist Party head Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un also nominated for the same award, PSY played down his chances of topping that chart.
"I feel really strange and weird (as to) why I'm there," he said.
"It's not going to happen, I think, and I don't deserve that much. I just did my job," added PSY, who is currently fourth in the online rankings out of 40 candidates.
- CNA/AFP/sf
- wong chee tat :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)