SMRT wage protest sees no show by 60 drivers

SMRT wage protest sees no show by 60 drivers
Posted: 27 November 2012 1109 hrs
     
SINGAPORE: SMRT confirms that 60 of the 102 drivers involved in a wage protest on Monday did not show up for work on Tuesday.

A statement from SMRT says that some 60 drivers "did not turn up for work in the morning, some of whom have valid medical reasons."

SMRT adds that some bus services may have been affected on Tuesday morning as a result, and it has activated other drivers to assist.

"We continue to keep our communications open with the Service Leaders, and are also working with the relevant authorities to find an amicable resolution," says the statement.

According to TODAY tweets, police are at the SMRT's rented dormitory for its drivers in Woodlands and two police cars are spotted.

The tweets also quoted an SMRT source as saying that no arrests have been made and that those who do not turn up for work on Tuesday will be sacked.

An SMRT source was also quoted by Today as saying that if workers do not have a valid reason, they will be referred to higher management as it's a sit-in and not a law and order problem. The spokesman also adds that no arrests will be made and that police are only on standby.

Channel NewsAsia understands that a doctor is at the Woodlands dormitory to check if the workers have valid reasons to be absent from work.

- CNA/ck

- wong chee tat :)