Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 30 January 2013 1044 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.
They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.
Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.
Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it.
- CNA/ck/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label HR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HR. Show all posts
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
MOM says term "illegal strike" neither wrong nor prejudicial
MOM says term "illegal strike" neither wrong nor prejudicial
Posted: 17 December 2012 2133 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower has refuted civil society group Function 8's accusations that the use of the term "illegal strike" to describe the actions of SMRT bus drivers in late November is wrong and prejudicial.
The ministry's spokesperson added the "serious accusations" are "entirely baseless".
Four SMRT workers were charged in court last month with instigating the incident, which took place over a pay dispute.
Early this month, another driver was charged in court and sentenced to six weeks' jail after he admitted to taking part in the incident.
In an earlier statement to the media, Function 8 said the workers were "doomed from the start" and called a stop to the use of the term "illegal strike".
The group added the term gives the impression that what the bus drivers had done was "illegal" and that there was indeed a "strike".
It said since the cases have not been determined by the court, it is "grievously wrong and prejudicial" to the bus drivers to label their action as such.
Function 8 also said that the ministry is commenting on a pending case and such comments are sub judice and constitute contempt of court.
It also said repeated claims that the drivers had participated in an "illegal strike" amount to prejudging their case and can only be calculated to influence the decision of the judge.
But MOM said the government, including Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and the Manpower Ministry, has never attempted to prejudice the case.
They added that Part III of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act or CLTPA clearly outlines that strike action taken in respect of essential services such as public transport is deemed illegal, unless 14 days' notice has been given.
It was with that in mind that Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin used the term "illegal strike".
MOM also pointed out that Mr Tan referred to workers participating in the strike in general.
He did not refer to the participation of any particular worker, or to any matter pending before a court of law.
In its statement, Function 8 had also questioned why MOM had revoked the work passes of 29 bus drivers so swiftly.
It also asked why it did not allow them legal representation or give them an opportunity to be heard.
Clarifying the incident, MOM said the 29 bus drivers were provided with an opportunity to be heard in relation to their conduct during the strike.
The ministry said the work permits were only revoked after due consideration by the Controller of Work Passes.
It added there is no requirement for legal representation in such a process, and no request was made in this regard by any of the 29 workers.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 17 December 2012 2133 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower has refuted civil society group Function 8's accusations that the use of the term "illegal strike" to describe the actions of SMRT bus drivers in late November is wrong and prejudicial.
The ministry's spokesperson added the "serious accusations" are "entirely baseless".
Four SMRT workers were charged in court last month with instigating the incident, which took place over a pay dispute.
Early this month, another driver was charged in court and sentenced to six weeks' jail after he admitted to taking part in the incident.
In an earlier statement to the media, Function 8 said the workers were "doomed from the start" and called a stop to the use of the term "illegal strike".
The group added the term gives the impression that what the bus drivers had done was "illegal" and that there was indeed a "strike".
It said since the cases have not been determined by the court, it is "grievously wrong and prejudicial" to the bus drivers to label their action as such.
Function 8 also said that the ministry is commenting on a pending case and such comments are sub judice and constitute contempt of court.
It also said repeated claims that the drivers had participated in an "illegal strike" amount to prejudging their case and can only be calculated to influence the decision of the judge.
But MOM said the government, including Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and the Manpower Ministry, has never attempted to prejudice the case.
They added that Part III of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act or CLTPA clearly outlines that strike action taken in respect of essential services such as public transport is deemed illegal, unless 14 days' notice has been given.
It was with that in mind that Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin used the term "illegal strike".
MOM also pointed out that Mr Tan referred to workers participating in the strike in general.
He did not refer to the participation of any particular worker, or to any matter pending before a court of law.
In its statement, Function 8 had also questioned why MOM had revoked the work passes of 29 bus drivers so swiftly.
It also asked why it did not allow them legal representation or give them an opportunity to be heard.
Clarifying the incident, MOM said the 29 bus drivers were provided with an opportunity to be heard in relation to their conduct during the strike.
The ministry said the work permits were only revoked after due consideration by the Controller of Work Passes.
It added there is no requirement for legal representation in such a process, and no request was made in this regard by any of the 29 workers.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec
Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 12 December 2012 1417 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating an illegal strike in late November were back in court on Wednesday.
Their lawyers told the court that they need more time to take full instructions from their clients as the men were only released on bail on 6 December.
The four lawyers are acting for the former SMRT bus drivers on a pro-bono basis.
Mr Peter Low, whose client He Jun Ling faces two charges, said two of the lawyers involved in the case were approached by a non-governmental organization here.
A pre-trial conference date for 19 December has been set.
But lawyers said this is not an indication that their clients will claim trial.
There are three options on the table at the moment - to claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to reduce the charges.
A pre-trial conference will also ensure that the judge has more time to consider the specific needs of each case and administer directions.
The drivers are out on bail and their passports have been impounded.
The remaining two drivers - Gao Yue Qiang is being represented by Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann while Wang Xian Jie is being represented by Mr Derek Kang from Rodyk and Davidson.
He is out on bail of S$20,000 while the rest are out on bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports have been impounded.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 12 December 2012 1417 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating an illegal strike in late November were back in court on Wednesday.
Their lawyers told the court that they need more time to take full instructions from their clients as the men were only released on bail on 6 December.
The four lawyers are acting for the former SMRT bus drivers on a pro-bono basis.
Mr Peter Low, whose client He Jun Ling faces two charges, said two of the lawyers involved in the case were approached by a non-governmental organization here.
A pre-trial conference date for 19 December has been set.
But lawyers said this is not an indication that their clients will claim trial.
There are three options on the table at the moment - to claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to reduce the charges.
A pre-trial conference will also ensure that the judge has more time to consider the specific needs of each case and administer directions.
The drivers are out on bail and their passports have been impounded.
The remaining two drivers - Gao Yue Qiang is being represented by Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann while Wang Xian Jie is being represented by Mr Derek Kang from Rodyk and Davidson.
He is out on bail of S$20,000 while the rest are out on bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports have been impounded.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Two China workers charged with criminal trespass
Two China workers charged with criminal trespass
By Alice Chia | Posted: 07 December 2012 1957 hrs
SINGAPORE: Two workers from China who sat on top of two construction cranes for hours on Thursday have been charged in court with criminal trespass.
Zhu Guilei, 24, and Wu Xiaolin, 47, were offered bail of $10,000 each.
As of 9.30pm, Channel NewsAsia understands that they have not been bailed out and are held in remand at Changi Prison.
They said in court that they intend to claim trial but won't be engaging counsel.
Both men will be back in court on December 12 for a pre-trial conference.
The two are accused of unlawfully remaining on the cranes for about nine hours at a worksite at Jurong Port Road with intent to alarm the project manager of their employer with threatening behaviour.
The maximum penalty for criminal trespass is three months' jail and a fine of $1,500.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower Ministry said its checks have shown that the two workers did not have any salary owing to them.
An MOM spokesperson said the salary dispute between the employer and the two workers was also resolved not long after they were brought down from the cranes.
After the workers were brought down, MOM said one of its officers asked why they had not gone back to the Ministry with their supporting documents to substantiate their claims.
To this, one of the workers is said to have told the officer that going to MOM to lodge claims was "troublesome".
It has been reported that the two workers had gone to the Ministry a day earlier to claim they had outstanding salaries owed to them.
However, MOM officers told them to return with necessary documents to support their claims, so that the issue could be investigated.
MOM said it is also investigating whether the company has breached any statutory provisions under the Employment Act.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Alice Chia | Posted: 07 December 2012 1957 hrs
SINGAPORE: Two workers from China who sat on top of two construction cranes for hours on Thursday have been charged in court with criminal trespass.
Zhu Guilei, 24, and Wu Xiaolin, 47, were offered bail of $10,000 each.
As of 9.30pm, Channel NewsAsia understands that they have not been bailed out and are held in remand at Changi Prison.
They said in court that they intend to claim trial but won't be engaging counsel.
Both men will be back in court on December 12 for a pre-trial conference.
The two are accused of unlawfully remaining on the cranes for about nine hours at a worksite at Jurong Port Road with intent to alarm the project manager of their employer with threatening behaviour.
The maximum penalty for criminal trespass is three months' jail and a fine of $1,500.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower Ministry said its checks have shown that the two workers did not have any salary owing to them.
An MOM spokesperson said the salary dispute between the employer and the two workers was also resolved not long after they were brought down from the cranes.
After the workers were brought down, MOM said one of its officers asked why they had not gone back to the Ministry with their supporting documents to substantiate their claims.
To this, one of the workers is said to have told the officer that going to MOM to lodge claims was "troublesome".
It has been reported that the two workers had gone to the Ministry a day earlier to claim they had outstanding salaries owed to them.
However, MOM officers told them to return with necessary documents to support their claims, so that the issue could be investigated.
MOM said it is also investigating whether the company has breached any statutory provisions under the Employment Act.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, December 7, 2012
MOM says Jurong crane incident workers had approached ministry for help
MOM says Jurong crane incident workers had approached ministry for help
By S Ramesh | Posted: 06 December 2012 2053 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the two workers from China involved in a crane incident at Jurong Port Road on Thursday morning had approached the ministry previously.
The two construction workers, Mr Zhu Guilei and Mr Wu Xiaolin, were at the top of the crane at a construction site at 31, Jurong Port Road, citing unhappiness with their employer Zhong Jiang (Singapore) International Pte Ltd.
In a statement, MOM said Mr Zhu had first come to the Ministry in July 2011 to enquire how he and his friend could resign and return home.
Mr Zhu was then working for a different company.
On Wednesday, Mr Zhu approached MOM's customer relations officers at the MOM Services Centre together with Mr Wu, as they had tendered their resignations and planned to return home.
They claimed they had outstanding salaries owed to them. However, they did not have the necessary documents to support their claims.
MOM officers asked them to return with the documents so that the ministry could investigate, and both Mr Zhu and Mr Wu had agreed to do so.
The MOM has stressed that it will not hesitate to take action against employers who fail to pay their workers on time.
And it urges workers not to take matters into their own hands and break the law. Those facing employment issues should approach MOM for advice and assistance. They can also call the MOM hotline at 6438 5122.
Separately in a statement, the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) said it is dismayed to hear of the protest by two migrant workers at Jurong Port Road on Thursday morning, especially in the light of recent developments.
Its Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said this was a further reminder of the need to expand our outreach and engagement with migrant workers to raise their awareness of channels of help available to them.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By S Ramesh | Posted: 06 December 2012 2053 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the two workers from China involved in a crane incident at Jurong Port Road on Thursday morning had approached the ministry previously.
The two construction workers, Mr Zhu Guilei and Mr Wu Xiaolin, were at the top of the crane at a construction site at 31, Jurong Port Road, citing unhappiness with their employer Zhong Jiang (Singapore) International Pte Ltd.
In a statement, MOM said Mr Zhu had first come to the Ministry in July 2011 to enquire how he and his friend could resign and return home.
Mr Zhu was then working for a different company.
On Wednesday, Mr Zhu approached MOM's customer relations officers at the MOM Services Centre together with Mr Wu, as they had tendered their resignations and planned to return home.
They claimed they had outstanding salaries owed to them. However, they did not have the necessary documents to support their claims.
MOM officers asked them to return with the documents so that the ministry could investigate, and both Mr Zhu and Mr Wu had agreed to do so.
The MOM has stressed that it will not hesitate to take action against employers who fail to pay their workers on time.
And it urges workers not to take matters into their own hands and break the law. Those facing employment issues should approach MOM for advice and assistance. They can also call the MOM hotline at 6438 5122.
Separately in a statement, the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) said it is dismayed to hear of the protest by two migrant workers at Jurong Port Road on Thursday morning, especially in the light of recent developments.
Its Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said this was a further reminder of the need to expand our outreach and engagement with migrant workers to raise their awareness of channels of help available to them.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Two China workers arrested after standoff at construction site
Two China workers arrested after standoff at construction site
By Sara Grosse/Alice Chia | Posted: 06 December 2012 1600 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested two workers from China for unlawfully remaining on top of construction cranes at a construction site in Jurong and intentionally causing alarm.
The Ministry of Manpower says the two men, Mr Zhu Guilei and Mr Wu Xiaolin, were unhappy with their employer Zhong Jiang (Singapore) International Pte Ltd over salaries.
Since 6.30am, the workers were seen on top of the construction cranes at a work site near No 31, Jurong Port Road.
The workers remained on separate cranes, which are about 10 storeys high.
By afternoon, the heat was noticeable. Still, the workers did not get down from the cranes.
The Police Crisis Negotiation Unit was activated to get the two men down to safety.
Shortly after 2pm, SCDF officers were seen climbing up one of the cranes.
After some coaxing, one of the workers began to make his way down.
The second worker continued to stay on top of his crane for the next hour.
After it started to rain, SCDF officers began climbing up the second crane.
Eventually, the second worker got down from the crane at about 3.30pm.
Both men were seen being escorted by SCDF officers after they reached the foot of the crane.
The two workers had previously approached the Ministry of Manpower and claimed they had outstanding salaries owed to them.
However, the MOM said the workers did not have the necessary documents to support these claims.
MOM officers had asked them to return with the documents so they could investigate. The workers had agreed to do so.
Police said if convicted, the workers can expect to face imprisonment, fine or both.
On the incident, the Migrant Workers' Centre called for more outreach with migrant workers so that they can be made aware of channels of help available to them.
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) said: "We have contacted the Ministry of Manpower about the case and on our hope that they are given a fair opportunity to air their grievances. In the meantime, we are confident that MOM will be able to achieve an outcome, with the workers and their employers, which is satisfactory to all concerned.
"We would like to assure the workers that the MWC will monitor the developments in this case and will step in to assist them if the need arises. We are gravely concerned about the interests and welfare of our migrant workers, and would like to reiterate our call to them to abide by established channels of assistance, either through MOM, MWC or any other migrant organisation set up to champion their welfare, and not to take matters into their own hands."
- CNA/ck/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse/Alice Chia | Posted: 06 December 2012 1600 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested two workers from China for unlawfully remaining on top of construction cranes at a construction site in Jurong and intentionally causing alarm.
The Ministry of Manpower says the two men, Mr Zhu Guilei and Mr Wu Xiaolin, were unhappy with their employer Zhong Jiang (Singapore) International Pte Ltd over salaries.
Since 6.30am, the workers were seen on top of the construction cranes at a work site near No 31, Jurong Port Road.
The workers remained on separate cranes, which are about 10 storeys high.
By afternoon, the heat was noticeable. Still, the workers did not get down from the cranes.
The Police Crisis Negotiation Unit was activated to get the two men down to safety.
Shortly after 2pm, SCDF officers were seen climbing up one of the cranes.
After some coaxing, one of the workers began to make his way down.
The second worker continued to stay on top of his crane for the next hour.
After it started to rain, SCDF officers began climbing up the second crane.
Eventually, the second worker got down from the crane at about 3.30pm.
Both men were seen being escorted by SCDF officers after they reached the foot of the crane.
The two workers had previously approached the Ministry of Manpower and claimed they had outstanding salaries owed to them.
However, the MOM said the workers did not have the necessary documents to support these claims.
MOM officers had asked them to return with the documents so they could investigate. The workers had agreed to do so.
Police said if convicted, the workers can expect to face imprisonment, fine or both.
On the incident, the Migrant Workers' Centre called for more outreach with migrant workers so that they can be made aware of channels of help available to them.
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) said: "We have contacted the Ministry of Manpower about the case and on our hope that they are given a fair opportunity to air their grievances. In the meantime, we are confident that MOM will be able to achieve an outcome, with the workers and their employers, which is satisfactory to all concerned.
"We would like to assure the workers that the MWC will monitor the developments in this case and will step in to assist them if the need arises. We are gravely concerned about the interests and welfare of our migrant workers, and would like to reiterate our call to them to abide by established channels of assistance, either through MOM, MWC or any other migrant organisation set up to champion their welfare, and not to take matters into their own hands."
- CNA/ck/de
- wong chee tat :)
Protest by HK trade unions over SMRT strike "highly regrettable", says NTUC chief
Protest by HK trade unions over SMRT strike "highly regrettable", says NTUC chief
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 06 December 2012 1536 hrs
SINGAPORE: Labour chief Lim Swee Say said on Thursday the protest by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) over the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is highly regrettable.
Mr Lim was speaking on the sidelines of the Labour Movement Workplan Seminar on Thursday.
Some 20 members of the HKCTU held a protest outside the Singapore Consulate in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The confederation had said Singapore did not respect the basic rights of workers who go on strike.
It also accused Singapore of not conforming to equal remuneration for its workers.
The union called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated, and to drop the charges against the five who were detained.
Mr Lim, who is Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that it is highly inappropriate for unions of other countries to dictate what another country should do.
Mr Lim said: "We, as a labour movement, NTUC, we will not dictate what Hong Kong, the government or trade unions should do because why? We should respect that each country has its own different circumstances.
"All workers regardless of nationalities must respect the law of the land. I'm sure in Hong Kong, they expect their workers to follow the law of their land as well."
He urged management, union and workers to strengthen communications and pertnerships to ensure that workers are treated fairly.
Mr Lim added that the strike could have been avoided.
He added: "If the management can respect and recognise the role of the union and when the union and management work together with the workers, I think it's a much better way in ensuring we can take care of the interest of the workers, business, and thereby able to serve the public commuters better."
On a separate issue, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, who is chairman of the Migrant Workers' Centre, said more help will be given to the 89 workers who were injured in the Jurong shipyard rig accident.
Besides counselling sessions, they will also be given a free phone set with a prepaid phonecard to enable them to contact their loved ones.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat ;)
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 06 December 2012 1536 hrs
SINGAPORE: Labour chief Lim Swee Say said on Thursday the protest by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) over the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is highly regrettable.
Mr Lim was speaking on the sidelines of the Labour Movement Workplan Seminar on Thursday.
Some 20 members of the HKCTU held a protest outside the Singapore Consulate in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The confederation had said Singapore did not respect the basic rights of workers who go on strike.
It also accused Singapore of not conforming to equal remuneration for its workers.
The union called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated, and to drop the charges against the five who were detained.
Mr Lim, who is Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that it is highly inappropriate for unions of other countries to dictate what another country should do.
Mr Lim said: "We, as a labour movement, NTUC, we will not dictate what Hong Kong, the government or trade unions should do because why? We should respect that each country has its own different circumstances.
"All workers regardless of nationalities must respect the law of the land. I'm sure in Hong Kong, they expect their workers to follow the law of their land as well."
He urged management, union and workers to strengthen communications and pertnerships to ensure that workers are treated fairly.
Mr Lim added that the strike could have been avoided.
He added: "If the management can respect and recognise the role of the union and when the union and management work together with the workers, I think it's a much better way in ensuring we can take care of the interest of the workers, business, and thereby able to serve the public commuters better."
On a separate issue, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, who is chairman of the Migrant Workers' Centre, said more help will be given to the 89 workers who were injured in the Jurong shipyard rig accident.
Besides counselling sessions, they will also be given a free phone set with a prepaid phonecard to enable them to contact their loved ones.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat ;)
Public transport fare review to take into account bus drivers' wage increase
Public transport fare review to take into account bus drivers' wage increase
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 06 December 2012 1626 hrs
SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said on Thursday public transport fare review, due next year, will take into account the need to raise bus drivers' wages.
Mr Lui was speaking for the first time in the aftermath of the illegal strike by bus drivers from China last week, and said public transport cost increases over the years have outpaced fare adjustments.
He was trying out the route of a new service on Thursday under the government's billion-dollar Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Mr Lui said the 34 Chinese bus drivers out of work from SMRT due to the strike make up only about 0.5 per cent of the total pool of 8,000-odd drivers.
Therefore, the impact on bus enhancements should be minimal.
What's of concern, however, is the lingering effect of the strike on recruitment and retention of bus drivers, and Mr Lui said the government is watching this carefully.
Looking at public transport fare adjustments of past years, Mr Lui said while fares have increased by 0.3 per cent, costs in fuel and wages for instance have gone up by 30 per cent.
He said the fare review committee recognises this "significant mismatch".
Mr Lui said: "Any fare adjustment will allow the two operators to have more resources, in time to come, to make further salary adjustments to their drivers. We recognise that the drivers need to be paid more. (The) question is, where is that money coming from?
"So we need to see the relationship between any fare adjustment, wage increase, and any other forms of government support that we might be required to give to the operators."
Mr Lui said it is difficult to wean dependence off foreign bus drivers as Singaporeans may not want to take up the job.
So salary adjustments, at least, will make the occupation more attractive to locals.
He said previous salary adjustments have helped to increase the recruitment of drivers, both local and foreign.
When asked whether SMRT should face any penalty as a result of the strike, Mr Lui said the operator will be evaluated according to quality of service standards.
Impact on bus services as a result of the two-day strike will be taken into account.
Mr Lui said he also spoke to SMRT's Chief Executive Desmond Kuek on the strike, and said the organisation needs to improve in many areas.
He said Mr Kuek needs to be given time to turn things around.
From December 16, two new SBS Transit bus services will start plying under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Service 50, which will start service on December 16, will cover Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Sengkang and Punggol.
Express Service 513 will start on December 17, connecting residents of Tampines to the Central Business District. This service only runs during the morning and evening peak period on weekdays.
In addition, four new bus services will be added to the bus network in the first quarter of 2013.
Three of them come under the government's enhancement programme, while the other is a trunk service by SBS Transit at its own cost.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 06 December 2012 1626 hrs
SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said on Thursday public transport fare review, due next year, will take into account the need to raise bus drivers' wages.
Mr Lui was speaking for the first time in the aftermath of the illegal strike by bus drivers from China last week, and said public transport cost increases over the years have outpaced fare adjustments.
He was trying out the route of a new service on Thursday under the government's billion-dollar Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Mr Lui said the 34 Chinese bus drivers out of work from SMRT due to the strike make up only about 0.5 per cent of the total pool of 8,000-odd drivers.
Therefore, the impact on bus enhancements should be minimal.
What's of concern, however, is the lingering effect of the strike on recruitment and retention of bus drivers, and Mr Lui said the government is watching this carefully.
Looking at public transport fare adjustments of past years, Mr Lui said while fares have increased by 0.3 per cent, costs in fuel and wages for instance have gone up by 30 per cent.
He said the fare review committee recognises this "significant mismatch".
Mr Lui said: "Any fare adjustment will allow the two operators to have more resources, in time to come, to make further salary adjustments to their drivers. We recognise that the drivers need to be paid more. (The) question is, where is that money coming from?
"So we need to see the relationship between any fare adjustment, wage increase, and any other forms of government support that we might be required to give to the operators."
Mr Lui said it is difficult to wean dependence off foreign bus drivers as Singaporeans may not want to take up the job.
So salary adjustments, at least, will make the occupation more attractive to locals.
He said previous salary adjustments have helped to increase the recruitment of drivers, both local and foreign.
When asked whether SMRT should face any penalty as a result of the strike, Mr Lui said the operator will be evaluated according to quality of service standards.
Impact on bus services as a result of the two-day strike will be taken into account.
Mr Lui said he also spoke to SMRT's Chief Executive Desmond Kuek on the strike, and said the organisation needs to improve in many areas.
He said Mr Kuek needs to be given time to turn things around.
From December 16, two new SBS Transit bus services will start plying under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Service 50, which will start service on December 16, will cover Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Sengkang and Punggol.
Express Service 513 will start on December 17, connecting residents of Tampines to the Central Business District. This service only runs during the morning and evening peak period on weekdays.
In addition, four new bus services will be added to the bus network in the first quarter of 2013.
Three of them come under the government's enhancement programme, while the other is a trunk service by SBS Transit at its own cost.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, December 6, 2012
HK unionists protest outside S'pore consulate over bus strike clampdown
HK unionists protest outside S'pore consulate over bus strike clampdown
By Roland Lim | Posted: 05 December 2012 1809 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's trade union body held a protest at the Singapore Consulate on Wednesday as a show of solidarity with the Chinese mainland bus drivers who held illegal strikes in Singapore on 26 and 27 November.
About 20 members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated and to drop the charges for the five who are detained.
Scuffles broke out between the protesters, building security personnel, and police when protesters were prevented from accessing the 9th floor Consulate office at Admiralty Centre to submit their petition letter.
The protesters were eventually granted access after a short stand-off.
The labour group said that Singapore did not respect international labour standards that allow workers to strike and called for equal remuneration for migrant workers.
SMRT bus drivers from China in strikes on 26 and 27 November protested for pay equal to that of their Malaysian counterparts, and for better housing conditions.
The Singapore government subsequently called the strike an "illegal strike" as 14 days' notice was not given to their employer.
This is mandatory under Singapore law for workers providing an "essential service".
29 drivers were eventually repatriated while five were detained by the police. One has been sentenced to six weeks' jail.
"Chinese workers, being migrant workers, feel aggrieved and may not know all the avenues that are available to them," said Lee Cheuk-Yan, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
"So it is a matter of information for migrant workers, and also a matter for the Singapore government to review the law and support for migrant workers instead of jailing them," he added.
The protesters also called on the Singapore government to amend the law stipulating that workers providing essential services need to give 14 days' advanced notice before striking.
A statement issued by Singapore's National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in response to the protest said that both local and migrant workers in Singapore have a right under Singapore's labour legislation to take industrial action or go on strike.
It said workers can do so if they follow the laws in Singapore.
NTUC said it had conveyed its position to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions on two occasions, once on 30 November before the protest and once on Wednesday afternoon.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Roland Lim | Posted: 05 December 2012 1809 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's trade union body held a protest at the Singapore Consulate on Wednesday as a show of solidarity with the Chinese mainland bus drivers who held illegal strikes in Singapore on 26 and 27 November.
About 20 members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated and to drop the charges for the five who are detained.
Scuffles broke out between the protesters, building security personnel, and police when protesters were prevented from accessing the 9th floor Consulate office at Admiralty Centre to submit their petition letter.
The protesters were eventually granted access after a short stand-off.
The labour group said that Singapore did not respect international labour standards that allow workers to strike and called for equal remuneration for migrant workers.
SMRT bus drivers from China in strikes on 26 and 27 November protested for pay equal to that of their Malaysian counterparts, and for better housing conditions.
The Singapore government subsequently called the strike an "illegal strike" as 14 days' notice was not given to their employer.
This is mandatory under Singapore law for workers providing an "essential service".
29 drivers were eventually repatriated while five were detained by the police. One has been sentenced to six weeks' jail.
"Chinese workers, being migrant workers, feel aggrieved and may not know all the avenues that are available to them," said Lee Cheuk-Yan, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
"So it is a matter of information for migrant workers, and also a matter for the Singapore government to review the law and support for migrant workers instead of jailing them," he added.
The protesters also called on the Singapore government to amend the law stipulating that workers providing essential services need to give 14 days' advanced notice before striking.
A statement issued by Singapore's National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in response to the protest said that both local and migrant workers in Singapore have a right under Singapore's labour legislation to take industrial action or go on strike.
It said workers can do so if they follow the laws in Singapore.
NTUC said it had conveyed its position to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions on two occasions, once on 30 November before the protest and once on Wednesday afternoon.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
4 ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating strike granted bail
4 ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating strike granted bail
By Alice Chia | Posted: 06 December 2012 1232 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT drivers from China who have been charged with instigating an illegal strike have been granted bail on Thursday.
He Jun Ling, who faces two charges of inciting SMRT drivers to take part in the strike on 26 and 27 November, was granted bail of S$20,000. His passport will have to be impounded.
According to court documents, He, 32, also made an online post about the strike on Chinese website Baidu, allegedly asking other workers to go on MC together.
Gao Yue Qiang, 32, Wang Xian Jie, 39 and Liu Xiang Ying, 33, were granted bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports will have to be impounded.
In response to a question from District Judge May Lucius Mesenas, the four accused said they're not able to raise the money.
Two officials from the Chinese embassy were present in court.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Alice Chia | Posted: 06 December 2012 1232 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT drivers from China who have been charged with instigating an illegal strike have been granted bail on Thursday.
He Jun Ling, who faces two charges of inciting SMRT drivers to take part in the strike on 26 and 27 November, was granted bail of S$20,000. His passport will have to be impounded.
According to court documents, He, 32, also made an online post about the strike on Chinese website Baidu, allegedly asking other workers to go on MC together.
Gao Yue Qiang, 32, Wang Xian Jie, 39 and Liu Xiang Ying, 33, were granted bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports will have to be impounded.
In response to a question from District Judge May Lucius Mesenas, the four accused said they're not able to raise the money.
Two officials from the Chinese embassy were present in court.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Sit-in on top of crane in Jurong by 2 China workers over work dispute
Sit-in on top of crane in Jurong by 2 China workers over work dispute
Posted: 06 December 2012 1204 hrs
SINGAPORE: Two workers from China are sitting on top of two cranes at a construction site in Jurong Port Road and are refusing to come down over what appears to be a work dispute.
Police said they were alerted about this incident at about 6:35am on Thursday at 31 Jurong Port Road.
A spokesman from the Singapore Civil Defence Force said each man is perched up on a crane, which is about 10 storeys high.
Officials from the Ministry of Manpower are at the scene.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 06 December 2012 1204 hrs
SINGAPORE: Two workers from China are sitting on top of two cranes at a construction site in Jurong Port Road and are refusing to come down over what appears to be a work dispute.
Police said they were alerted about this incident at about 6:35am on Thursday at 31 Jurong Port Road.
A spokesman from the Singapore Civil Defence Force said each man is perched up on a crane, which is about 10 storeys high.
Officials from the Ministry of Manpower are at the scene.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
China's job agencies say Singapore no longer the preferred work destination
China's job agencies say Singapore no longer the preferred work destination
By Channel NewsAsia's Valarie Tan | Posted: 05 December 2012 2240 hrs
BEIJING: Job agencies in China say recruiting workers for Singapore has become increasingly difficult over the past five years as the wage gap between the two countries has narrowed.
And the fallout from the recent illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is now deterring some from applying to work in Singapore.
Unfair and unjust - these are just some of the comments posted by Chinese internet users on Weibo after a former Chinese SMRT bus driver received a six-week jail sentence for taking part in an illegal strike in Singapore.
But some also felt that the drivers' behaviour was unreasonable, and called for more to be done to prepare Chinese workers before they go overseas.
"For the purpose of work, understand the laws of the country and the related rules, I think that's normal, and necessary."
"Before they leave the country, human resource companies should do some training in these areas in China before sending the workers out."
Recruiters in China said the majority of Chinese blue-collar workers in Singapore come from Jiangsu, Shandong and Liaoning where there's an abundance of manpower.
One agency in Jiangsu said it conducts a preparatory course for Chinese workers moving to Singapore for work.
Mr Lin Hai, General Manager of Jiangsu Huaian YunHai International Labour, said: "When they apply for work, I'll introduce Singapore's situation to them, let them understand that the 'Garden City' name is just the general environment. But work-wise, Singapore's efficiency is very high, you can't bring China's standards over, which means you have to do everything quickly."
But Mr Lin, whose agency was set up in 2006, said it has become increasingly difficult to recruit Chinese workers for Singapore companies.
He said salaries in Singapore are now almost on par with what workers would get if they stay in China.
And the latest bus driver incident has deterred some considering Singapore as a work destination.
Mr Lin said: "For example, in construction. They can get about 7,000-8,000 RMB each, a contractor can get 10,000 and more. In Singapore, a worker is paid 8,000-9,000 RMB. So if a Chinese construction worker can get this much staying here, it won't be worth it for him to travel far. So they usually won't choose to go to Singapore. Now, if they apply for work, when you mention Singapore, they don't want to go. Unless they have friends or relatives there but those are in the minority. So it's a challenge trying to recruit workers for Singapore."
Job agencies said skilled labour workers now prefer to work in Europe, Japan and South Korea over Singapore for work because they get three to five times more for the same position.
And with the growth of internet use and social media in China, workers including those in the rural areas are becoming more aware of labour laws and workers' rights, therefore making them more choosy about their workplace destination choices.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Channel NewsAsia's Valarie Tan | Posted: 05 December 2012 2240 hrs
BEIJING: Job agencies in China say recruiting workers for Singapore has become increasingly difficult over the past five years as the wage gap between the two countries has narrowed.
And the fallout from the recent illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is now deterring some from applying to work in Singapore.
Unfair and unjust - these are just some of the comments posted by Chinese internet users on Weibo after a former Chinese SMRT bus driver received a six-week jail sentence for taking part in an illegal strike in Singapore.
But some also felt that the drivers' behaviour was unreasonable, and called for more to be done to prepare Chinese workers before they go overseas.
"For the purpose of work, understand the laws of the country and the related rules, I think that's normal, and necessary."
"Before they leave the country, human resource companies should do some training in these areas in China before sending the workers out."
Recruiters in China said the majority of Chinese blue-collar workers in Singapore come from Jiangsu, Shandong and Liaoning where there's an abundance of manpower.
One agency in Jiangsu said it conducts a preparatory course for Chinese workers moving to Singapore for work.
Mr Lin Hai, General Manager of Jiangsu Huaian YunHai International Labour, said: "When they apply for work, I'll introduce Singapore's situation to them, let them understand that the 'Garden City' name is just the general environment. But work-wise, Singapore's efficiency is very high, you can't bring China's standards over, which means you have to do everything quickly."
But Mr Lin, whose agency was set up in 2006, said it has become increasingly difficult to recruit Chinese workers for Singapore companies.
He said salaries in Singapore are now almost on par with what workers would get if they stay in China.
And the latest bus driver incident has deterred some considering Singapore as a work destination.
Mr Lin said: "For example, in construction. They can get about 7,000-8,000 RMB each, a contractor can get 10,000 and more. In Singapore, a worker is paid 8,000-9,000 RMB. So if a Chinese construction worker can get this much staying here, it won't be worth it for him to travel far. So they usually won't choose to go to Singapore. Now, if they apply for work, when you mention Singapore, they don't want to go. Unless they have friends or relatives there but those are in the minority. So it's a challenge trying to recruit workers for Singapore."
Job agencies said skilled labour workers now prefer to work in Europe, Japan and South Korea over Singapore for work because they get three to five times more for the same position.
And with the growth of internet use and social media in China, workers including those in the rural areas are becoming more aware of labour laws and workers' rights, therefore making them more choosy about their workplace destination choices.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Most Singaporeans support punishment for SMRT drivers: poll
Most Singaporeans support punishment for SMRT drivers: poll
By Sharon See | Posted: 04 December 2012 1514 hrs
SINGAPORE: A poll has shown that 56 per cent agreed with the way the government has taken time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
The government's feedback channel REACH conducted a snap poll to find out how Singaporeans felt about the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China on 26 and 27 November.
It also found that nearly eight in 10 Singaporeans agreed that the bus drivers should be punished fully if they have breached Singapore laws.
Many Singaporeans seemed to be aware of the illegal strike with an average of 85 per cent of respondents indicating awareness.
REACH polled 313 Singaporeans who are 15 years old and above between 30 November and 2 December.
56 per cent agreed with the government for taking time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
76 per cent felt the government had acted swiftly in bringing the situation under control.
Channel NewsAsia spoke to several commuters who also echoed these views.
Chow Yit Mei, a teacher, said: ""Given the time they need to take into consideration what went on, they need to go through the processes, I think the time given that they have acted was quite swift."
Jayson Khong, an engineer, said: "Regardless of whether they are from China or other nationalities, they have to abide by the laws. Any concern, I believe that they should not just go on strike, but consult with the management. I believe the government has handled the issue quite professionally, in that they have taken action and they have gone through the rightful procedure."
Mohd Amin, People's Association staff, RC Manager, said: "We being a law-abiding nation, so anything out of the law, you have to face the consequences."
The media in China had reported that Singaporeans felt sympathetic towards the drivers after details about their salary came to light.
But an average of 74 per cent of those polled felt the bus drivers from China should have gone through the proper channels to air their grievances.
Commuters also felt that SMRT could have done more.
And this was also reflected in the poll in which 76 per cent agree that while the drivers were in the wrong to have staged a strike, SMRT should bear some responsibility as it did not manage the grievances of the drivers well.
Anne Lim, a consultant, said: "They are complaining about the dormitory, the places they are living in, not in a good condition. They should look into that."
R Partipan, a freelancer, said: "They should have laid out their cards well before recruiting them and should have told them about the pay scale between Singaporean drivers, Malaysian drivers and China drivers."
In response to the poll findings, SMRT acknowledged the need to improve its management and communication efforts to be more attuned to the needs of its drivers.
The company said since the incident, it has beefed up its engagement efforts through hotlines and having representatives on the ground.
- CNA/ck/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 04 December 2012 1514 hrs
SINGAPORE: A poll has shown that 56 per cent agreed with the way the government has taken time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
The government's feedback channel REACH conducted a snap poll to find out how Singaporeans felt about the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China on 26 and 27 November.
It also found that nearly eight in 10 Singaporeans agreed that the bus drivers should be punished fully if they have breached Singapore laws.
Many Singaporeans seemed to be aware of the illegal strike with an average of 85 per cent of respondents indicating awareness.
REACH polled 313 Singaporeans who are 15 years old and above between 30 November and 2 December.
56 per cent agreed with the government for taking time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
76 per cent felt the government had acted swiftly in bringing the situation under control.
Channel NewsAsia spoke to several commuters who also echoed these views.
Chow Yit Mei, a teacher, said: ""Given the time they need to take into consideration what went on, they need to go through the processes, I think the time given that they have acted was quite swift."
Jayson Khong, an engineer, said: "Regardless of whether they are from China or other nationalities, they have to abide by the laws. Any concern, I believe that they should not just go on strike, but consult with the management. I believe the government has handled the issue quite professionally, in that they have taken action and they have gone through the rightful procedure."
Mohd Amin, People's Association staff, RC Manager, said: "We being a law-abiding nation, so anything out of the law, you have to face the consequences."
The media in China had reported that Singaporeans felt sympathetic towards the drivers after details about their salary came to light.
But an average of 74 per cent of those polled felt the bus drivers from China should have gone through the proper channels to air their grievances.
Commuters also felt that SMRT could have done more.
And this was also reflected in the poll in which 76 per cent agree that while the drivers were in the wrong to have staged a strike, SMRT should bear some responsibility as it did not manage the grievances of the drivers well.
Anne Lim, a consultant, said: "They are complaining about the dormitory, the places they are living in, not in a good condition. They should look into that."
R Partipan, a freelancer, said: "They should have laid out their cards well before recruiting them and should have told them about the pay scale between Singaporean drivers, Malaysian drivers and China drivers."
In response to the poll findings, SMRT acknowledged the need to improve its management and communication efforts to be more attuned to the needs of its drivers.
The company said since the incident, it has beefed up its engagement efforts through hotlines and having representatives on the ground.
- CNA/ck/de
- wong chee tat :)
SingHealth reviews plans after illegal strike at SMRT
SingHealth reviews plans after illegal strike at SMRT
By Tan Weizhen, TODAY | Posted: 05 December 2012 0801 hrs
SINGAPORE: SingHealth, the country's largest public healthcare cluster, said it is reviewing its business contingency plans in the wake of the strike by SMRT's China bus drivers last week.
SingHealth, which oversees two hospitals - Singapore General Hospital and KK Women's and Children's Hospital - as well as five national specialty centres and nine polyclinics, is also undertaking "further risk assessments", its Deputy Group Director of Strategic Human Resources Goh Leong Huat said. SingHealth did not give details of what these assessments will entail.
SingHealth, which employs over 16,000 staff, did not respond to queries on how many foreign staff it has on its books. However, Mr Goh said that SingHealth employs foreign staff "based on calibrated assessment and balance of the need for trained healthcare workers".
Several other companies contacted were cagey when asked if they are reviewing their plans in the wake of the illegal strike.
Some said they have adopted measures to ensure they keep a low reliance on foreign manpower.
SingPost said it has a pool of temporary workers who can be activated when needed and it also encourages retirees and housewives to join the organisation by offering them flexible hours, a spokesman said. Foreign workers account for 13 per cent of SingPost's workforce across all business units.
The Changi Airport Group (CAG), though, "does not stipulate a foreign-local employee ratio" in its contracts with airport partners.
"They are expected to manage their respective workforce, and are required to provide contingency plans to provide for sufficient manpower resources to cope with unexpected staffing shortfalls ... or to deal with peak periods at the airport," said a CAG spokesperson.
Last week's illegal strike, which involved 171 bus drivers from China upset over their pay raises, brought into focus the public transport operators' growing dependence on foreigners and further served as a reminder to all firms to reflect on their management practices.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower, feels that, in an "ideal situation", companies should manage their reliance on foreign workers by spreading them evenly across business units.
But a better solution, he said, was to offer better terms to attract Singaporeans to go for those jobs in the areas of essential services but are currently taken up by foreign workers.
He highlighted two areas that companies should examine: Wages, which are not attractive enough, and working conditions.
"Wage equity is an issue," said Mr Zaqy. "Why do bus drivers earn less than, for instance, taxi drivers, when their jobs can be tougher? Working conditions can also be bad, with some of them working long hours."
He added that wage equity is probably something only "organisations offering essential services" should look into.
- TODAY
- wong chee tat :)
By Tan Weizhen, TODAY | Posted: 05 December 2012 0801 hrs
SINGAPORE: SingHealth, the country's largest public healthcare cluster, said it is reviewing its business contingency plans in the wake of the strike by SMRT's China bus drivers last week.
SingHealth, which oversees two hospitals - Singapore General Hospital and KK Women's and Children's Hospital - as well as five national specialty centres and nine polyclinics, is also undertaking "further risk assessments", its Deputy Group Director of Strategic Human Resources Goh Leong Huat said. SingHealth did not give details of what these assessments will entail.
SingHealth, which employs over 16,000 staff, did not respond to queries on how many foreign staff it has on its books. However, Mr Goh said that SingHealth employs foreign staff "based on calibrated assessment and balance of the need for trained healthcare workers".
Several other companies contacted were cagey when asked if they are reviewing their plans in the wake of the illegal strike.
Some said they have adopted measures to ensure they keep a low reliance on foreign manpower.
SingPost said it has a pool of temporary workers who can be activated when needed and it also encourages retirees and housewives to join the organisation by offering them flexible hours, a spokesman said. Foreign workers account for 13 per cent of SingPost's workforce across all business units.
The Changi Airport Group (CAG), though, "does not stipulate a foreign-local employee ratio" in its contracts with airport partners.
"They are expected to manage their respective workforce, and are required to provide contingency plans to provide for sufficient manpower resources to cope with unexpected staffing shortfalls ... or to deal with peak periods at the airport," said a CAG spokesperson.
Last week's illegal strike, which involved 171 bus drivers from China upset over their pay raises, brought into focus the public transport operators' growing dependence on foreigners and further served as a reminder to all firms to reflect on their management practices.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower, feels that, in an "ideal situation", companies should manage their reliance on foreign workers by spreading them evenly across business units.
But a better solution, he said, was to offer better terms to attract Singaporeans to go for those jobs in the areas of essential services but are currently taken up by foreign workers.
He highlighted two areas that companies should examine: Wages, which are not attractive enough, and working conditions.
"Wage equity is an issue," said Mr Zaqy. "Why do bus drivers earn less than, for instance, taxi drivers, when their jobs can be tougher? Working conditions can also be bad, with some of them working long hours."
He added that wage equity is probably something only "organisations offering essential services" should look into.
- TODAY
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
SMRT：中国司机获调薪 基薪千一元
新闻视频
SMRT管理层星期一与中国籍司机举行对话会，宣布他们的起薪调整到1100元。SMRT强调，上调25元薪金原本就在计划中，原定这个月向员工宣布消息，这项举措不是受非法罢工的影响。公司也考虑允许司机把年假折换成现金。
SMRT在对话会上，向中国籍司机解释了长期和短期雇佣合约在薪金上的差异。总裁郭木财指出，公司每月承担中国籍司机近300元的交通、住宿和水电费，同没有获住宿安排的马来西亚籍车长、薪金相等，条件是公平的。
SMRT解释，公司无需为合约员工加薪，但为跟进市场标准，公司还是调整了司机的薪金。7月前加入的车长都获得75元加薪。公司也准备在11月中旬，上调多25元，并且让这项调整追溯到7月起生效。
也就是说，今年7月起，中国籍车长的薪金上调了100元。而加上多数中国籍司机，每月平均加班60个小时，总收入可达1800元。
郭木财承诺改善沟通，加强同员工的互动，确保住宿条件获改善。针对宿舍和车厂距离太远，因轮班不同而干扰其他房客的休息等课题，SMRT将在物色新住宿环境时，一并考虑在内。
另外，兀兰巴士转换站，星期一运作如常。早上尖峰时段，由SMRT经营的巴士路线，候车时间似乎不受车长人数减少所影响。
一司机认罪监六周 被告庭上洒泪向各造致歉
在另一边厢，一名SMRT中国籍巴士司机今天面控。他承认非法罢工，被判坐牢六个星期。现年38岁的包锋善，被控在上星期一参与非法罢工表示认罪。他是五名被控中国籍巴士司机中，第一个认罪的司机。
控状指他在上星期一清晨6点至7点间，在兀兰宿舍参与罢工，控方以华语念出控状。育有一名女儿的被告没有聘请律师，他承认罢工带来负面影响，并通过通译员深表忏悔，还含泪向新加坡政府、SMRT及他的家人道歉。
被告被指在11月26日拒绝上班，而事前并没有表明有意要在26日和27日罢工。控方指出被告虽然不是罢工煽动者，但也并非只是一个被动的参与者。法官强调，被告的行动妨碍了交通服务。
尽管在SMRT和人力部的劝导下，被告隔天还是没有回到工作岗位，他还发出威胁的言论，警告如果诉求未获得回应，将进一步罢工。不过，对于被告求情从轻发落，法官给予确认，因被告在面控后就深表悔意并认罪。被告自2008年就开始为SMRT服务。
其他四名涉嫌教唆非法罢工的中国籍巴士司机，已经在上星期四被控。
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT says no further adjustments of pay for China bus drivers
SMRT says no further adjustments of pay for China bus drivers
By Sharon See | Posted: 03 December 2012 1854 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT will not make further adjustments to the salaries of its drivers from China, despite an illegal strike last week over pay and living conditions.
But the company will look into the possibility of allowing its drivers to encash their unused leave.
This was the decision communicated to drivers by SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek at a townhall meeting on Monday morning.
Describing what has been a difficult week for everyone in SMRT, Mr Kuek said the management team is surprised and saddened that the situation had reached the point of an illegal strike.
He stressed that the existing compensation and contract terms are fair.
He also said SMRT reviews the salaries of its drivers regularly to keep pace with the market.
This year, it raised the starting pay of those who joined before July by $75, even though there's no contractual obligation to do so for short-term contract workers.
In mid-November, it decided on a second increment of $25 to their basic salary out of goodwill, backdated to July.
This is being communicated to the drivers and will be implemented in December.
Mr Kuek said the full monthly increase in salary from July 2012 would therefore be $100, and this will be implemented as planned.
With these increments, their starting pay is now $1,100.
He stressed that the remuneration package is fair and equitable, including transport, accommodation and utilities amounting to about $275 borne by the company.
Drivers from Malaysia, said Mr Kuek, are not provided accommodation by the company.
With many drivers clocking an average of 60 hours in overtime a month, their gross pay can reach $1,800 or more.
Member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, told Channel NewsAsia he agreed with SMRT's decision not to raise the pay of drivers from China.
Mr Lim said: "What the CEO has done is the right thing. From the perspective of the employee, if you feel that your salary is not right, you should actually speak to your employers about it. And if at the end of the day, employers are not prepared to increase the salary, you should then look for other employment.
"I think it is also a wrong signal to send if the company adjusts its salary upwards because of actions by employees to force their opinion on their employer to make adjustments to the salary."
Mr Lim said many drivers from China came to Singapore initially satisfied with their salary, and that it is not right for them to compare with their colleagues later and demand a change in the terms of employment.
"When you take up an employment with any company, you don't know what your future colleagues will be earning. You look at what you're offered, and you ask yourself, am I happy with this salary that I'm getting. If you say "yes", then you go in with your eyes open that this is the salary you take when you start work," he said.
Addressing complaints from some drivers about misrepresentation by agents in China who had hired them, Mr Kuek said SMRT will raise this matter with the relevant agencies to investigate further.
He also urged drivers to use the right and proper channels of communication and feedback to voice their unhappiness.
SMRT, he said, acknowledged that its managers and supervisors down the line could have been more sensitive and responsive to the needs of drivers.
It will address this shortcoming with priority and is strengthening its staff communications and engagement.
Turning to the living conditions of the drivers, Mr Kuek said he visited the drivers' rooms and surroundings recently and agreed with them that things can be improved.
As for bed bugs, the dormitory rooms were fumigated last month and again last week.
Mr Kuek said this appears to be a more persistent problem and SMRT will continue to monitor and act on this.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute said companies that employ a large number of foreign workers can do more to ease them into life in Singapore, such as through induction programmes and English lessons.
Mr David Ang, Executive Director of Singapore Human Resources Institute, said: "It is also very important that companies also explain to them that if you are working in the industry which is very important to the public, such as the essential services, then the rules and regulations as well as the law governing work in a company that is providing essential services should be explained to them."
Mr Ang added that companies' communications plan should not only include employment terms and the law, it should also explain their pay structure.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 03 December 2012 1854 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT will not make further adjustments to the salaries of its drivers from China, despite an illegal strike last week over pay and living conditions.
But the company will look into the possibility of allowing its drivers to encash their unused leave.
This was the decision communicated to drivers by SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek at a townhall meeting on Monday morning.
Describing what has been a difficult week for everyone in SMRT, Mr Kuek said the management team is surprised and saddened that the situation had reached the point of an illegal strike.
He stressed that the existing compensation and contract terms are fair.
He also said SMRT reviews the salaries of its drivers regularly to keep pace with the market.
This year, it raised the starting pay of those who joined before July by $75, even though there's no contractual obligation to do so for short-term contract workers.
In mid-November, it decided on a second increment of $25 to their basic salary out of goodwill, backdated to July.
This is being communicated to the drivers and will be implemented in December.
Mr Kuek said the full monthly increase in salary from July 2012 would therefore be $100, and this will be implemented as planned.
With these increments, their starting pay is now $1,100.
He stressed that the remuneration package is fair and equitable, including transport, accommodation and utilities amounting to about $275 borne by the company.
Drivers from Malaysia, said Mr Kuek, are not provided accommodation by the company.
With many drivers clocking an average of 60 hours in overtime a month, their gross pay can reach $1,800 or more.
Member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, told Channel NewsAsia he agreed with SMRT's decision not to raise the pay of drivers from China.
Mr Lim said: "What the CEO has done is the right thing. From the perspective of the employee, if you feel that your salary is not right, you should actually speak to your employers about it. And if at the end of the day, employers are not prepared to increase the salary, you should then look for other employment.
"I think it is also a wrong signal to send if the company adjusts its salary upwards because of actions by employees to force their opinion on their employer to make adjustments to the salary."
Mr Lim said many drivers from China came to Singapore initially satisfied with their salary, and that it is not right for them to compare with their colleagues later and demand a change in the terms of employment.
"When you take up an employment with any company, you don't know what your future colleagues will be earning. You look at what you're offered, and you ask yourself, am I happy with this salary that I'm getting. If you say "yes", then you go in with your eyes open that this is the salary you take when you start work," he said.
Addressing complaints from some drivers about misrepresentation by agents in China who had hired them, Mr Kuek said SMRT will raise this matter with the relevant agencies to investigate further.
He also urged drivers to use the right and proper channels of communication and feedback to voice their unhappiness.
SMRT, he said, acknowledged that its managers and supervisors down the line could have been more sensitive and responsive to the needs of drivers.
It will address this shortcoming with priority and is strengthening its staff communications and engagement.
Turning to the living conditions of the drivers, Mr Kuek said he visited the drivers' rooms and surroundings recently and agreed with them that things can be improved.
As for bed bugs, the dormitory rooms were fumigated last month and again last week.
Mr Kuek said this appears to be a more persistent problem and SMRT will continue to monitor and act on this.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute said companies that employ a large number of foreign workers can do more to ease them into life in Singapore, such as through induction programmes and English lessons.
Mr David Ang, Executive Director of Singapore Human Resources Institute, said: "It is also very important that companies also explain to them that if you are working in the industry which is very important to the public, such as the essential services, then the rules and regulations as well as the law governing work in a company that is providing essential services should be explained to them."
Mr Ang added that companies' communications plan should not only include employment terms and the law, it should also explain their pay structure.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, December 3, 2012
6 weeks' jail for SMRT bus driver involved in strike
6 weeks' jail for SMRT bus driver involved in strike
By Alvina Soh | Posted: 03 December 2012 1226 hrs
SINGAPORE: A SMRT bus driver from China has been sentenced to six weeks' jail for taking part in an illegal strike.
Bao Feng Shan, 38, admitted that he committed the offence on 26 November.
He appeared grim in court on Monday, as the charge was read out to him in Mandarin, accusing him of "commencing" the strike between 6am and 7am on 26 November at Woodlands Dormitory.
Bao, who did not engage a lawyer, acknowledged the "adverse effects" of the strike.
Speaking through a court interpreter, he said he was "deeply remorseful and apologetic".
Bao, who teared several times, also apologised to the government of Singapore, SMRT and his family.
He said a jail sentence would have adverse effects on his eight-year-old daughter.
Bao was deployed to Kranji Depot to drive Service 106 at the time of the offence.
The tall and bespectacled man had been working for SMRT since 2008.
Some time between 6am and 7am on 26 November, he joined many drivers in refusing to go to work.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Peggy Pao told the court that Bao was not happy that he was not entitled to the same year-end bonuses and increments as his Malaysian counterparts.
He did not give notice of his intention to strike on 26 and 27 November.
The court heard that Bao did not start the strike, but took on a participatory role.
But DPP Pao pointed out that although Bao was not charged as an instigator, he was "far from a mere passive participant".
She acknowledged that there may have been "a genuine sense of frustration" but stressed that there was no justification to resort to a strike.
The DPP had pushed for a deterrent sentence of six weeks' jail, on the grounds of the "considerable public disquiet" caused by the strike.
She said a lenient approach may encourage others to think that they can commit similar offences and "conveniently express remorse to escape custodial sentence".
She stressed that the illegal strike was not a case of a few workers refraining from work but was a large-scale organised effort to use illegal means to coerce the management of SMRT into giving in to the workers' demands.
During sentencing, Senior District Judge See Kee Oon highlighted an aggravating factor - that the act was calculated to cause obstruction and inconvenience to transport services.
He noted that Bao did not return to work the next day, even though he was advised to do so by SMRT and the Ministry of Manpower.
He also made a number of threatening comments, warning of further strikes if the demands were not met.
The judge acknowledged Bao's plea of leniency, saying he showed remorse by pleading guilty right after he was charged.
But he agreed with the prosecution that deterrence must be a primary consideration and that a jail sentence was warranted.
He said while Bao may have been motivated by a sense of grievance, he went against the law.
Bao is the first of five SMRT drivers who have been charged to plead guilty.
Four other drivers were charged last Thursday with instigating the drivers to take part in the strike.
They are He Jun Ling (32), Gao Yue Qiang (32), Liu Xiangying (33), Wang Xianjie, (33).
One of them, He, faces an additional charge of making an online post about the strike.
The four are currently remanded at the Central Police Station.
SMRT said 171 bus drivers did not report for work on 26 November and 88 of them continued to stay away from work on 27 November.
Twenty-nine of them were sent back to China on Sunday.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Alvina Soh | Posted: 03 December 2012 1226 hrs
SINGAPORE: A SMRT bus driver from China has been sentenced to six weeks' jail for taking part in an illegal strike.
Bao Feng Shan, 38, admitted that he committed the offence on 26 November.
He appeared grim in court on Monday, as the charge was read out to him in Mandarin, accusing him of "commencing" the strike between 6am and 7am on 26 November at Woodlands Dormitory.
Bao, who did not engage a lawyer, acknowledged the "adverse effects" of the strike.
Speaking through a court interpreter, he said he was "deeply remorseful and apologetic".
Bao, who teared several times, also apologised to the government of Singapore, SMRT and his family.
He said a jail sentence would have adverse effects on his eight-year-old daughter.
Bao was deployed to Kranji Depot to drive Service 106 at the time of the offence.
The tall and bespectacled man had been working for SMRT since 2008.
Some time between 6am and 7am on 26 November, he joined many drivers in refusing to go to work.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Peggy Pao told the court that Bao was not happy that he was not entitled to the same year-end bonuses and increments as his Malaysian counterparts.
He did not give notice of his intention to strike on 26 and 27 November.
The court heard that Bao did not start the strike, but took on a participatory role.
But DPP Pao pointed out that although Bao was not charged as an instigator, he was "far from a mere passive participant".
She acknowledged that there may have been "a genuine sense of frustration" but stressed that there was no justification to resort to a strike.
The DPP had pushed for a deterrent sentence of six weeks' jail, on the grounds of the "considerable public disquiet" caused by the strike.
She said a lenient approach may encourage others to think that they can commit similar offences and "conveniently express remorse to escape custodial sentence".
She stressed that the illegal strike was not a case of a few workers refraining from work but was a large-scale organised effort to use illegal means to coerce the management of SMRT into giving in to the workers' demands.
During sentencing, Senior District Judge See Kee Oon highlighted an aggravating factor - that the act was calculated to cause obstruction and inconvenience to transport services.
He noted that Bao did not return to work the next day, even though he was advised to do so by SMRT and the Ministry of Manpower.
He also made a number of threatening comments, warning of further strikes if the demands were not met.
The judge acknowledged Bao's plea of leniency, saying he showed remorse by pleading guilty right after he was charged.
But he agreed with the prosecution that deterrence must be a primary consideration and that a jail sentence was warranted.
He said while Bao may have been motivated by a sense of grievance, he went against the law.
Bao is the first of five SMRT drivers who have been charged to plead guilty.
Four other drivers were charged last Thursday with instigating the drivers to take part in the strike.
They are He Jun Ling (32), Gao Yue Qiang (32), Liu Xiangying (33), Wang Xianjie, (33).
One of them, He, faces an additional charge of making an online post about the strike.
The four are currently remanded at the Central Police Station.
SMRT said 171 bus drivers did not report for work on 26 November and 88 of them continued to stay away from work on 27 November.
Twenty-nine of them were sent back to China on Sunday.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in illegal strike sent back to China
29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in illegal strike sent back to China
Posted: 02 December 2012 1739 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over pay and living conditions on 26 and 27 November have been sent back to China.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said they were placed on flights between 12:15am and 4:35pm on Sunday.
MHA said they were cooperative and that the process took place without incident.
Officials from the Chinese embassy, as well as SMRT staff, assisted in the repatriation exercise.
The 29 drivers, who were rounded up on Saturday morning, were absent from work on one or both days of the illegal strike.
Their work permits were revoked.
Although some of them had medical certificates, the authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
On Thursday, four other SMRT drivers from China were charged with instigating the strike.
A fifth driver will be charged in court on Monday.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off, with police warning letters.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 02 December 2012 1739 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over pay and living conditions on 26 and 27 November have been sent back to China.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said they were placed on flights between 12:15am and 4:35pm on Sunday.
MHA said they were cooperative and that the process took place without incident.
Officials from the Chinese embassy, as well as SMRT staff, assisted in the repatriation exercise.
The 29 drivers, who were rounded up on Saturday morning, were absent from work on one or both days of the illegal strike.
Their work permits were revoked.
Although some of them had medical certificates, the authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
On Thursday, four other SMRT drivers from China were charged with instigating the strike.
A fifth driver will be charged in court on Monday.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off, with police warning letters.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, December 2, 2012
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 :)
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