SIA asks pilots to volunteer for unpaid leave
Posted: 05 January 2013 1305 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines has asked its captains to volunteer for unpaid leave amid a global economic slowdown that has dented long-haul travel demand, the airline said Saturday.
The move came nearly a year after the company -- considered a bellwether for the full-service airline industry -- made a similar offer to its first officers.
The airline has also frozen its intake of cadet pilots as part of a slew of cost-cutting measures.
"Singapore Airlines (SIA) began offering voluntary no-pay leave to first officers in March last year and subsequently to captains who expressed interest," company spokesman Nicholas Ionides said in a statement emailed to AFP.
SIA has "a temporary surplus of pilots and are managing it through this scheme, which is entirely voluntary", Ionides said.
He added that "the surplus of captains is limited and we regard it as temporary".
SIA has more than 2,400 pilots -- mostly captains and first officers.
The global financial crisis had led to excess capacity and slower growth that anticipated, Ionides said.
"This voluntary scheme will enable us to address the short-term surplus, while at the same time provide staff with the opportunity to take leave for personal reasons should they wish to do so," he said.
SIA saw its net profit in the first-half of the current fiscal year ending March fall by 30 per cent year-on-year, weighed down by high fuel prices and weak demand in the travel and cargo markets.
This followed a 69 per cent plunge in net profit in the carrier's financial year ended March 2012.
- AFP/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label globalization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label globalization. Show all posts
Monday, January 7, 2013
Friday, November 30, 2012
Firm stand against illegal strike an assurance to investors: Teo Ser Luck
Firm stand against illegal strike an assurance to investors: Teo Ser Luck
By S Ramesh | Posted: 29 November 2012 1936 hrs
SINGAPORE: The government's strong stand against the illegal strike staged by 171 SMRT bus drivers from China will give companies and investors here and potential investors the assurance about the country's stable labour relations.
Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said this in an interview with Channel NewsAsia.
And political watchers question if the labour movement is doing enough to reach out to foreign workers to join the unions.
The SMRT bus drivers strike this week should not and must not happen, and it's a matter to be taken seriously.
And Mr Teo stressed that Singapore's tripartism between the government, employer and unions has a strong bearing among investors.
"When they have lack of confidence, you have less companies investing in Singapore and less jobs as well. So we have to take these things very seriously, then the whole ecosystem can function well," he said.
Observers add that the incident has also raised questions as to how Singapore manages its industrial relations in the light of the changing demographics of the workforce.
Assistant Professor Eugene Tan, Nominated MP, said: "When you look at the SMRT incident, it reflects a failure in industrial relations. The issue has been brewing for a while and obviously it would seem that the workers didn't have sufficient channel for their grievances to be addressed and they have taken the rather drastic action of staging an illegal strike. In a way the illegal strike has worked. It has brought their grievances out publicly.
"It raises very valid questions about whether SMRT could have done better in handling their foreign-born drivers. It raises the question of whether the National Transport Workers' Union made the effort to try to reach out to these workers, never mind if they are not unionised because there is an interest in workers working in the transport sector.
"It also raises the question whether NTUC, as well as its member unions, should make the effort to reach out to foreign workers, many of whom are not unionised.
"Ultimately, even if this strike is now over, it wouldn't do good for SMRT if the drivers are unhappy. It would be reflected in the service quality, it will also affect SMRT's prospects in terms of hiring other service leaders. The repercussions on SMRT are significant, it goes right down to how SMRT manages and treats its employees."
There's also a need for SMRT to do more to address the concerns of the workers and closely examine its own processes.
Mr Teo said: "Put the actions in place, put the systems in place and ensure that we can prevent such things from happening again. Because once it happens, it can happen again, and we need to prevent it and have a full proof, very strong and stringent management control put in place and ensure relations will be solid and stable in future.
"It need not have to resort in a strike, it need not have to result in an illegal gathering of sorts to go against the management and leadership. There are always many cases where management is willing to listen to workers and employers. We can always get around the situation through mediation or extensive discussion and if all means have been tried you can always approach MOM to seek help."
As for hiring only locals for essential services like public transport, Mr Teo said this is not always possible for service businesses.
Mr Teo said: "Some of these jobs when I talk to the service businesses is that they would always like to offer it to Singaporeans first and most of the time when they try to do it and try to bring the salary up, the experience tells them that the job environment and the job nature may not be the most favoured by Singaporeans. So they find it difficult."
He said it's about keeping a balance between making sure there are job opportunities for Singaporeans and that jobs left unfilled do not impact companies' ability to function.
This is something that both the Trade and Industry and Manpower Ministries are constantly looking at.
Mr Teo added: "This is the part we need to keep a balance between making sure that Singaporeans will always have their job opportunities as well as making sure that no jobs are left unfilled to the extent that the companies could not function. This is the balance point where MOM, MTI are all working together to look at the different industry needs and making sure that our businesses can function."
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By S Ramesh | Posted: 29 November 2012 1936 hrs
SINGAPORE: The government's strong stand against the illegal strike staged by 171 SMRT bus drivers from China will give companies and investors here and potential investors the assurance about the country's stable labour relations.
Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said this in an interview with Channel NewsAsia.
And political watchers question if the labour movement is doing enough to reach out to foreign workers to join the unions.
The SMRT bus drivers strike this week should not and must not happen, and it's a matter to be taken seriously.
And Mr Teo stressed that Singapore's tripartism between the government, employer and unions has a strong bearing among investors.
"When they have lack of confidence, you have less companies investing in Singapore and less jobs as well. So we have to take these things very seriously, then the whole ecosystem can function well," he said.
Observers add that the incident has also raised questions as to how Singapore manages its industrial relations in the light of the changing demographics of the workforce.
Assistant Professor Eugene Tan, Nominated MP, said: "When you look at the SMRT incident, it reflects a failure in industrial relations. The issue has been brewing for a while and obviously it would seem that the workers didn't have sufficient channel for their grievances to be addressed and they have taken the rather drastic action of staging an illegal strike. In a way the illegal strike has worked. It has brought their grievances out publicly.
"It raises very valid questions about whether SMRT could have done better in handling their foreign-born drivers. It raises the question of whether the National Transport Workers' Union made the effort to try to reach out to these workers, never mind if they are not unionised because there is an interest in workers working in the transport sector.
"It also raises the question whether NTUC, as well as its member unions, should make the effort to reach out to foreign workers, many of whom are not unionised.
"Ultimately, even if this strike is now over, it wouldn't do good for SMRT if the drivers are unhappy. It would be reflected in the service quality, it will also affect SMRT's prospects in terms of hiring other service leaders. The repercussions on SMRT are significant, it goes right down to how SMRT manages and treats its employees."
There's also a need for SMRT to do more to address the concerns of the workers and closely examine its own processes.
Mr Teo said: "Put the actions in place, put the systems in place and ensure that we can prevent such things from happening again. Because once it happens, it can happen again, and we need to prevent it and have a full proof, very strong and stringent management control put in place and ensure relations will be solid and stable in future.
"It need not have to resort in a strike, it need not have to result in an illegal gathering of sorts to go against the management and leadership. There are always many cases where management is willing to listen to workers and employers. We can always get around the situation through mediation or extensive discussion and if all means have been tried you can always approach MOM to seek help."
As for hiring only locals for essential services like public transport, Mr Teo said this is not always possible for service businesses.
Mr Teo said: "Some of these jobs when I talk to the service businesses is that they would always like to offer it to Singaporeans first and most of the time when they try to do it and try to bring the salary up, the experience tells them that the job environment and the job nature may not be the most favoured by Singaporeans. So they find it difficult."
He said it's about keeping a balance between making sure there are job opportunities for Singaporeans and that jobs left unfilled do not impact companies' ability to function.
This is something that both the Trade and Industry and Manpower Ministries are constantly looking at.
Mr Teo added: "This is the part we need to keep a balance between making sure that Singaporeans will always have their job opportunities as well as making sure that no jobs are left unfilled to the extent that the companies could not function. This is the balance point where MOM, MTI are all working together to look at the different industry needs and making sure that our businesses can function."
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Four SMRT bus drivers to be charged for role in illegal strike
Four SMRT bus drivers to be charged for role in illegal strike
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 29 November 2012 1657 hrs
SINGAPORE: Four SMRT bus drivers from China were arrested between Wednesday and Thursday for their role in an illegal strike at Woodlands Dormitory on Monday and Tuesday.
They will be charged in court at 5pm on Thursday, Police said in a statement.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 29 November 2012 1657 hrs
SINGAPORE: Four SMRT bus drivers from China were arrested between Wednesday and Thursday for their role in an illegal strike at Woodlands Dormitory on Monday and Tuesday.
They will be charged in court at 5pm on Thursday, Police said in a statement.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
4 SMRT bus drivers charged with instigating illegal strike
4 SMRT bus drivers charged with instigating illegal strike
By Sharon See | Posted: 29 November 2012 1841 hrs
SINGAPORE: Four SMRT bus drivers from China were charged on Thursday with instigating an illegal strike involving fellow drivers at the Woodlands dormitory on 26 and 27 November.
The four are: He Jun Ling, 32; Gao Yue Qiang, 32; Liu Xiangying, 33; and Wang Xianjie, 39.
They are accused of engaging in a conspiracy to instigate the drivers to take part in the strike.
20 SMRT bus drivers were brought to the police headquarters for investigations on Wednesday.
Authorities could not confirm if more drivers would be charged over the next few days as the police are still investigating the case.
If convicted, each of them may be fined up to S$2,000 or jailed 12 months.
They will be remanded for a week at the Central Police Station.
He Jun Ling faces an additional charge of making an online post about the strike.
He is accused of calling his fellow drivers to "take action" in a post he wrote in Chinese on website Baidu.
He allegedly called the drivers to "go on MC together tomorrow, 26, Monday and 27, Tuesday."
He allegedly said that if a few hundred bus drivers did not report for work for a few days, there would be public outcry in Singapore and that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) would then have to start questioning SMRT.
He allegedly said the matter concerns the interest of everybody, and everyone should take part in the action.
Channel NewsAsia asked the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) if more drivers will be charged over the next few days.
In response, an AGC spokesperson said police are still investigating.
171 bus drivers took part in the strike on Monday and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
"We understand the grievances of SMRT drivers and it's unfortunate that they sought to resolve this matter through organising an illegal strike," said Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo.
"Maintaining industrial harmony is very important to Singapore, particularly because public transport is one of the essential services so we have to take it in a very serious manner," she added.
Minister of State for Manpower Amy Khor also said she welcomed police investigations and that "what has happened has damaged this industrial harmony that we have built up over the years and swift action must be carried out".
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy were seen at the Subordinate Courts on Thursday.
Two officials from the Chinese Embassy also visited affected drivers at the Woodlands dormitory on Thursday evening, spending two hours in the dormitory.
In a statement in Mandarin on its website, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore expressed concern over the arrest of the four drivers.
It said its consular staff had conveyed its concern to the relevant authorities in Singapore and are making arrangements to pay the four arrested a consular visit.
The Embassy also urged all parties to remain calm and objective, and to work together to resolve the matter.
- CNA/ir/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 29 November 2012 1841 hrs
SINGAPORE: Four SMRT bus drivers from China were charged on Thursday with instigating an illegal strike involving fellow drivers at the Woodlands dormitory on 26 and 27 November.
The four are: He Jun Ling, 32; Gao Yue Qiang, 32; Liu Xiangying, 33; and Wang Xianjie, 39.
They are accused of engaging in a conspiracy to instigate the drivers to take part in the strike.
20 SMRT bus drivers were brought to the police headquarters for investigations on Wednesday.
Authorities could not confirm if more drivers would be charged over the next few days as the police are still investigating the case.
If convicted, each of them may be fined up to S$2,000 or jailed 12 months.
They will be remanded for a week at the Central Police Station.
He Jun Ling faces an additional charge of making an online post about the strike.
He is accused of calling his fellow drivers to "take action" in a post he wrote in Chinese on website Baidu.
He allegedly called the drivers to "go on MC together tomorrow, 26, Monday and 27, Tuesday."
He allegedly said that if a few hundred bus drivers did not report for work for a few days, there would be public outcry in Singapore and that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) would then have to start questioning SMRT.
He allegedly said the matter concerns the interest of everybody, and everyone should take part in the action.
Channel NewsAsia asked the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) if more drivers will be charged over the next few days.
In response, an AGC spokesperson said police are still investigating.
171 bus drivers took part in the strike on Monday and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
"We understand the grievances of SMRT drivers and it's unfortunate that they sought to resolve this matter through organising an illegal strike," said Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo.
"Maintaining industrial harmony is very important to Singapore, particularly because public transport is one of the essential services so we have to take it in a very serious manner," she added.
Minister of State for Manpower Amy Khor also said she welcomed police investigations and that "what has happened has damaged this industrial harmony that we have built up over the years and swift action must be carried out".
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy were seen at the Subordinate Courts on Thursday.
Two officials from the Chinese Embassy also visited affected drivers at the Woodlands dormitory on Thursday evening, spending two hours in the dormitory.
In a statement in Mandarin on its website, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore expressed concern over the arrest of the four drivers.
It said its consular staff had conveyed its concern to the relevant authorities in Singapore and are making arrangements to pay the four arrested a consular visit.
The Embassy also urged all parties to remain calm and objective, and to work together to resolve the matter.
- CNA/ir/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
SMRT investigating still-absent bus drivers involved in illegal strike
SMRT investigating still-absent bus drivers involved in illegal strike
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 28 November 2012 1302 hrs
SINGAPORE: Six SMRT bus drivers from China on morning shift did not report for work on Wednesday, amid investigations into an illegal strike over salaries.
SMRT said on Wednesday afternoon that it is investigating why they were absent.
A SMRT spokesperson said it has not ruled out the possibility that they're unwell and added that it may not be right to assume that there's anything malicious, as of now.
A driver from China who had completed his shift on Wednesday morning told reporters at Woodlands dormitory, where some of the drivers are staying, that all drivers from his room went to work.
He said staff from the Chinese embassy spoke to the drivers at about 11:00pm on Tuesday.
Another driver from China said most of the drivers had returned to work.
The drivers were reported to have boarded buses at about 4:00am on Wednesday to be ferried to the bus depots to start their shift.
A police car and an ambulance were at Woodlands Dormitory for about half an hour on Wednesday morning. Another ambulance is still at the dormitory.
A female driver from China, who did not report for work on Monday but returned to work on Tuesday, told reporters that SMRT has treated them fairly. She said she understands that SMRT will give the workers an answer on their salary grievances by the end of the week.
SMRT said late on Tuesday night that 171 drivers staged a sit-in at the workers' dormitory in Woodlands. And, on Tuesday, 88 did not turn up for work.
- CNA/ck/sf
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 28 November 2012 1302 hrs
SINGAPORE: Six SMRT bus drivers from China on morning shift did not report for work on Wednesday, amid investigations into an illegal strike over salaries.
SMRT said on Wednesday afternoon that it is investigating why they were absent.
A SMRT spokesperson said it has not ruled out the possibility that they're unwell and added that it may not be right to assume that there's anything malicious, as of now.
A driver from China who had completed his shift on Wednesday morning told reporters at Woodlands dormitory, where some of the drivers are staying, that all drivers from his room went to work.
He said staff from the Chinese embassy spoke to the drivers at about 11:00pm on Tuesday.
Another driver from China said most of the drivers had returned to work.
The drivers were reported to have boarded buses at about 4:00am on Wednesday to be ferried to the bus depots to start their shift.
A police car and an ambulance were at Woodlands Dormitory for about half an hour on Wednesday morning. Another ambulance is still at the dormitory.
A female driver from China, who did not report for work on Monday but returned to work on Tuesday, told reporters that SMRT has treated them fairly. She said she understands that SMRT will give the workers an answer on their salary grievances by the end of the week.
SMRT said late on Tuesday night that 171 drivers staged a sit-in at the workers' dormitory in Woodlands. And, on Tuesday, 88 did not turn up for work.
- CNA/ck/sf
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
No-show by SMRT bus drivers a strike or protest?
No-show by SMRT bus drivers a strike or protest?
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 27 November 2012 1623 hrs
SINGAPORE: 102 SMRT bus drivers, all China nationals, refused to turn up for work on Monday over pay dispute, and on Tuesday morning, over half of those involved did not show up for work again.
There's been a lot of talk about why the media and even the Manpower Ministry and SMRT have not been calling the wage protest a strike.
Instead, terms like "sit-in", "sit-out", "protest", "did not show up for work" were used.
There are several reasons for this and they have to do with the law.
As this has to do with an essential service - in this case, transport - the law is very specific on what is considered a strike.
Under Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act, it is a strike only when the worker gives his employer at least 14 days' advance notice of his intention to do so.
This notice has to be signed by at least seven fellow workers involved in the strike or by at least seven union representatives of the workers.
The notice then needs to be acknowledged and signed by the employer, after which, that notice needs to be put up in at least three conspicuous places where the workers are employed.
That's a legal strike, if rules are followed.
Anything else, it's an illegal strike and there are consequences. A person involved in that could be fined up to S$2,000 and jailed up to 12 months.
A person who instigates or finances an illegal strike also faces the same penalties.
The last strike in Singapore was in 1986 by shipyard workers.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 27 November 2012 1623 hrs
SINGAPORE: 102 SMRT bus drivers, all China nationals, refused to turn up for work on Monday over pay dispute, and on Tuesday morning, over half of those involved did not show up for work again.
There's been a lot of talk about why the media and even the Manpower Ministry and SMRT have not been calling the wage protest a strike.
Instead, terms like "sit-in", "sit-out", "protest", "did not show up for work" were used.
There are several reasons for this and they have to do with the law.
As this has to do with an essential service - in this case, transport - the law is very specific on what is considered a strike.
Under Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act, it is a strike only when the worker gives his employer at least 14 days' advance notice of his intention to do so.
This notice has to be signed by at least seven fellow workers involved in the strike or by at least seven union representatives of the workers.
The notice then needs to be acknowledged and signed by the employer, after which, that notice needs to be put up in at least three conspicuous places where the workers are employed.
That's a legal strike, if rules are followed.
Anything else, it's an illegal strike and there are consequences. A person involved in that could be fined up to S$2,000 and jailed up to 12 months.
A person who instigates or finances an illegal strike also faces the same penalties.
The last strike in Singapore was in 1986 by shipyard workers.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Some SMRT bus drivers involved in illegal strike return to work
Some SMRT bus drivers involved in illegal strike return to work
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 28 November 2012 1050 hrs
SINGAPORE: Some of the SMRT bus drivers from China involved in an illegal strike over salaries returned to work on Wednesday.
A driver from China who had completed his shift on Wednesday morning told reporters at Woodlands dormitory, where some of the drivers are staying, that all drivers from his room went to work.
He said staff from the Chinese embassy spoke to the drivers at about 11:00pm on Tuesday.
Another driver from China said most of the drivers had returned to work.
The drivers were reported to have boarded buses at about 4:00am on Wednesday to be ferried to the bus depots to start their shift.
A police car and an ambulance were at Woodlands Dormitory for about half an hour on Wednesday morning. Another ambulance is still at the dormitory.
SMRT said late on Tuesday night that 171 drivers staged a sit-in at the workers' dormitory in Woodlands. And, on Tuesday, 88 remained defiant and refused to work.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 28 November 2012 1050 hrs
SINGAPORE: Some of the SMRT bus drivers from China involved in an illegal strike over salaries returned to work on Wednesday.
A driver from China who had completed his shift on Wednesday morning told reporters at Woodlands dormitory, where some of the drivers are staying, that all drivers from his room went to work.
He said staff from the Chinese embassy spoke to the drivers at about 11:00pm on Tuesday.
Another driver from China said most of the drivers had returned to work.
The drivers were reported to have boarded buses at about 4:00am on Wednesday to be ferried to the bus depots to start their shift.
A police car and an ambulance were at Woodlands Dormitory for about half an hour on Wednesday morning. Another ambulance is still at the dormitory.
SMRT said late on Tuesday night that 171 drivers staged a sit-in at the workers' dormitory in Woodlands. And, on Tuesday, 88 remained defiant and refused to work.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
67名中国籍巴士司机 周二仍未复工
11/27/2012 22:00
67名中国籍巴士司机 周二仍未复工
SMRT同中国籍巴士司机的劳资纠纷，进入了第二天，67名司机，今天还是没有上班。由于部份司机向公司表示，他们是在请病假，SMRT派出了流动诊所，为没有上班的司机检查身体。SMRT表示，不是所有缺勤的司机都接受了检查。
SMRT派出的流动诊所同医护人员，大约在早上十点半左右，来到兀兰工业区内的这栋客工宿舍，为司机检查身体，据了解有部份旷工司机，在检查时并没有到场。现场也有警车在戒备。接受本台访问的其中一名司机表示，SMRT管理层在星期一的谈判中，答应调高他们的工资每月25元，但是他们觉得太少，他们表示，在前来新加坡后，发现实际工资比中介答应的少。除了基本工资，这些中国籍司机现在要求分红，而且要同马来西亚籍司机同工同酬。
“我们中国籍在公司里边是待遇最低等的，每次的一些薪资问题都是中国劳工除外。”
“我们要求的就是公平、公正对待，大家同工同酬。这样总可以。”
全国交通工友联合会的代表中午到宿舍，同至少四五十名中国籍司机，会面了一个多小时。代表联合会的包括执行秘书长王振安，以及副执行秘书长朱倍庆。王振安透露，客工的态度合作，也愿意聆听工会的建议。
全国交通工友联合会执行秘书长王振安说：“现在我们中国的司机师傅们不是我们的工会会员，法律上我们没有权利代表他们讲话。但是作为职工运动，代表大多数交通工友，我们觉得有义务了解他们面对的问题。看看我们能协助些什么。我们也
向他们了解，解释我们本地的法律情况。他们的做法跟本地的法律是不符合的。”
联合会的代表表示，客工的住宿环境的确有改进的空间。
据本台了解，SMRT在下午约四点左右，为旷工司机完成身体检查。
本台记者向一些有接受身体检查的旷工司机了解，他们为什么会没有上班？一个说肚子不舒服，一个说没力气上上班，两人异口同声表示，他们有拿到医生证明书，可证明自己是因病旷工，而不是故意罢工。至于明天他们会不会开工，司机表示，
那就等到明天，看他们的身体状况而定。
受访司机声称，他们不认为SMRT有充足的理由可解雇他们。
- wong chee tat :)
67名中国籍巴士司机 周二仍未复工
SMRT同中国籍巴士司机的劳资纠纷，进入了第二天，67名司机，今天还是没有上班。由于部份司机向公司表示，他们是在请病假，SMRT派出了流动诊所，为没有上班的司机检查身体。SMRT表示，不是所有缺勤的司机都接受了检查。
SMRT派出的流动诊所同医护人员，大约在早上十点半左右，来到兀兰工业区内的这栋客工宿舍，为司机检查身体，据了解有部份旷工司机，在检查时并没有到场。现场也有警车在戒备。接受本台访问的其中一名司机表示，SMRT管理层在星期一的谈判中，答应调高他们的工资每月25元，但是他们觉得太少，他们表示，在前来新加坡后，发现实际工资比中介答应的少。除了基本工资，这些中国籍司机现在要求分红，而且要同马来西亚籍司机同工同酬。
“我们中国籍在公司里边是待遇最低等的，每次的一些薪资问题都是中国劳工除外。”
“我们要求的就是公平、公正对待，大家同工同酬。这样总可以。”
全国交通工友联合会的代表中午到宿舍，同至少四五十名中国籍司机，会面了一个多小时。代表联合会的包括执行秘书长王振安，以及副执行秘书长朱倍庆。王振安透露，客工的态度合作，也愿意聆听工会的建议。
全国交通工友联合会执行秘书长王振安说：“现在我们中国的司机师傅们不是我们的工会会员，法律上我们没有权利代表他们讲话。但是作为职工运动，代表大多数交通工友，我们觉得有义务了解他们面对的问题。看看我们能协助些什么。我们也
向他们了解，解释我们本地的法律情况。他们的做法跟本地的法律是不符合的。”
联合会的代表表示，客工的住宿环境的确有改进的空间。
据本台了解，SMRT在下午约四点左右，为旷工司机完成身体检查。
本台记者向一些有接受身体检查的旷工司机了解，他们为什么会没有上班？一个说肚子不舒服，一个说没力气上上班，两人异口同声表示，他们有拿到医生证明书，可证明自己是因病旷工，而不是故意罢工。至于明天他们会不会开工，司机表示，
那就等到明天，看他们的身体状况而定。
受访司机声称，他们不认为SMRT有充足的理由可解雇他们。
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT向警方报案 以调查旷工中国籍车长是否触犯法律
Updated: 11/28/2012 09:08
SMRT向警方报案 以调查旷工中国籍车长是否触犯法律
SMRT已经向警方报案，以调查旷工的中国籍车长是否触犯法律，而公司也在调查车长是否违法雇用条例。
SMRT发表声明说，前天总共有171名中国籍巴士车长旷工，其中102名是早班车长，69名值午班。公司管理层和这些车长讨论后同意会探讨他们对薪金待遇的不满，而车长也同意隔天复工。不过，昨天早班仍然有68名车长旷工，午班则有20人没有上班。这些车长不负责任的行为导致巴士服务延误，公司严肃看待这种情形，而首要任务是确保巴士服务尽快恢复正常。
SMRT将继续同所有中国籍车长沟通，以解释目前的情况，同时呼吁车长通过正确渠道讨论工作问题。公司也要让没有参与这两天旷工行动的车长知道，公司仍然重视他们的服务。
SMRT强调，车长同管理层沟通的渠道仍然开放，同时吁请车长不该采取非法行动来表达不满情绪。公司对乘客造成的不便致歉，同时向那些挺身而出，代替旷工车长值班的车长表达谢意。
另一方面，今日报的记者目睹一辆中国大使馆的汽车来到兀兰的车长宿舍，有两人下车走入宿舍内。
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT向警方报案 以调查旷工中国籍车长是否触犯法律
SMRT已经向警方报案，以调查旷工的中国籍车长是否触犯法律，而公司也在调查车长是否违法雇用条例。
SMRT发表声明说，前天总共有171名中国籍巴士车长旷工，其中102名是早班车长，69名值午班。公司管理层和这些车长讨论后同意会探讨他们对薪金待遇的不满，而车长也同意隔天复工。不过，昨天早班仍然有68名车长旷工，午班则有20人没有上班。这些车长不负责任的行为导致巴士服务延误，公司严肃看待这种情形，而首要任务是确保巴士服务尽快恢复正常。
SMRT将继续同所有中国籍车长沟通，以解释目前的情况，同时呼吁车长通过正确渠道讨论工作问题。公司也要让没有参与这两天旷工行动的车长知道，公司仍然重视他们的服务。
SMRT强调，车长同管理层沟通的渠道仍然开放，同时吁请车长不该采取非法行动来表达不满情绪。公司对乘客造成的不便致歉，同时向那些挺身而出，代替旷工车长值班的车长表达谢意。
另一方面，今日报的记者目睹一辆中国大使馆的汽车来到兀兰的车长宿舍，有两人下车走入宿舍内。
- wong chee tat :)
大约60名SMRT中国籍巴士车长没有回返工作岗位
Updated: 11/28/2012 03:58
大约60名SMRT中国籍巴士车长没有回返工作岗位
公司早上安排一名医生和流动诊所到宿舍，为请病假的车长做身体检查。据了解，医生已经完成检查，但SMRT没有公布详情。
SMRT公司清晨4点和5点多，安排巴士接车长上班，但有大约60名员工拒绝开工，留在宿舍。
记者抵达现场时，看到大批海内外媒体在宿舍外守候，现场气氛平静，有好几辆警车多次进出宿舍。
多数的中国车长不愿受访，一名来自河南省的车长说，昨天的协商过程其实并不顺利，虽然公司有提议加薪，但一些车长因为不满意加薪幅度，而决定不去工作。
“当时拍板的是可以涨25块钱每个月，然后我们提出来，就是这不能接受，这是基本工资的事情，另一方面就是分红的事情，他说要一个星期，才能给我们答复。当时在场的员工只有几十号人，我们有员工不在场，他说，可以通过其他渠道再谈。 但是其他人没有见到公司的领导。我们中国籍司机和马来司机都是外劳，我们只是要大家公平对待，就是要同工同酬。”
另一名中国籍车长表示，他们受到不公平的待遇，因此希望通过这次的行动，让公司正视他们面对的问题。
“其实我们提出这个抗议，我们想让社会和媒体，包括人力部也考虑一下我们千里迢迢来这里打工的一个心理和心态。”
- wong chee tat :)
大约60名SMRT中国籍巴士车长没有回返工作岗位
公司早上安排一名医生和流动诊所到宿舍，为请病假的车长做身体检查。据了解，医生已经完成检查，但SMRT没有公布详情。
SMRT公司清晨4点和5点多，安排巴士接车长上班，但有大约60名员工拒绝开工，留在宿舍。
记者抵达现场时，看到大批海内外媒体在宿舍外守候，现场气氛平静，有好几辆警车多次进出宿舍。
多数的中国车长不愿受访，一名来自河南省的车长说，昨天的协商过程其实并不顺利，虽然公司有提议加薪，但一些车长因为不满意加薪幅度，而决定不去工作。
“当时拍板的是可以涨25块钱每个月，然后我们提出来，就是这不能接受，这是基本工资的事情，另一方面就是分红的事情，他说要一个星期，才能给我们答复。当时在场的员工只有几十号人，我们有员工不在场，他说，可以通过其他渠道再谈。 但是其他人没有见到公司的领导。我们中国籍司机和马来司机都是外劳，我们只是要大家公平对待，就是要同工同酬。”
另一名中国籍车长表示，他们受到不公平的待遇，因此希望通过这次的行动，让公司正视他们面对的问题。
“其实我们提出这个抗议，我们想让社会和媒体，包括人力部也考虑一下我们千里迢迢来这里打工的一个心理和心态。”
- wong chee tat :)
较早前抵达SMRT兀兰员工宿舍、为请病假的中国籍巴士车长检查身体的医生和流动诊所已离开
Updated: 11/28/2012 03:40
较早前抵达SMRT兀兰员工宿舍、为请病假的中国籍巴士车长检查身体的医生和流动诊所已离开
较早前抵达SMRT兀兰员工宿舍、为请病假的中国籍巴士车长检查身体的医生和流动诊所，已经离开宿舍。
大约60名中国籍巴士车长今天没有回返工作岗位，导致一些巴士服务受影响。SMRT说，其中一些中国籍车长申请了病假。公司调派了其他车长协助。
公司表示会继续开放同巴士车长之间的沟通管道，并同相关政府部门寻求和睦的解决方案。
- wong chee tat :)
较早前抵达SMRT兀兰员工宿舍、为请病假的中国籍巴士车长检查身体的医生和流动诊所已离开
较早前抵达SMRT兀兰员工宿舍、为请病假的中国籍巴士车长检查身体的医生和流动诊所，已经离开宿舍。
大约60名中国籍巴士车长今天没有回返工作岗位，导致一些巴士服务受影响。SMRT说，其中一些中国籍车长申请了病假。公司调派了其他车长协助。
公司表示会继续开放同巴士车长之间的沟通管道，并同相关政府部门寻求和睦的解决方案。
- wong chee tat :)
非法罢工 或罚款坐牢或两者兼施
11/27/2012 22:45
非法罢工 或罚款坐牢或两者兼施
外籍劳工中心主席杨木光表示，罢工不能解决劳资纠纷。停工的SMRT巴士司机，一旦被证实没有理由不去上班，他们就是触犯法令，有可能被逮捕。杨木光也指不诚实的中介机构，往往是造成劳资纠纷的导火线。
在现有刑事法令下，工友确实有罢工的权利，但要进行罢工，必须通过法律途径、事先向当局申请，并给予有关雇主14天的通告。
杨木光表示：“擅自停止工作，造成整个公共服务受到负面的影响，使到公众造成很大的不便的话，在我们的法律上面是不允许的。”
触犯类似法令的员工，会被判罚款高达2000元或坐牢长达12个月或者两者兼施。杨木光表示，有时造成劳资纠纷的症结来自中介公司。
“碰到的情况很多是比如说，很多东西在合约是写的很清楚的，但他们在给他推销的时候，就可能告诉他把花红也算进去，把加班费也算进去。”
目前职工总会的会员当中，外籍劳工占了18%。到本地工作的外劳，如果有任何问题，除了寻求工会协助，也可向人力部或外劳中心求助。外劳中心在过去三年，每年就平均帮助1500名外籍劳工解决劳资问题。
- wong chee tat :)
非法罢工 或罚款坐牢或两者兼施
外籍劳工中心主席杨木光表示，罢工不能解决劳资纠纷。停工的SMRT巴士司机，一旦被证实没有理由不去上班，他们就是触犯法令，有可能被逮捕。杨木光也指不诚实的中介机构，往往是造成劳资纠纷的导火线。
在现有刑事法令下，工友确实有罢工的权利，但要进行罢工，必须通过法律途径、事先向当局申请，并给予有关雇主14天的通告。
杨木光表示：“擅自停止工作，造成整个公共服务受到负面的影响，使到公众造成很大的不便的话，在我们的法律上面是不允许的。”
触犯类似法令的员工，会被判罚款高达2000元或坐牢长达12个月或者两者兼施。杨木光表示，有时造成劳资纠纷的症结来自中介公司。
“碰到的情况很多是比如说，很多东西在合约是写的很清楚的，但他们在给他推销的时候，就可能告诉他把花红也算进去，把加班费也算进去。”
目前职工总会的会员当中，外籍劳工占了18%。到本地工作的外劳，如果有任何问题，除了寻求工会协助，也可向人力部或外劳中心求助。外劳中心在过去三年，每年就平均帮助1500名外籍劳工解决劳资问题。
- wong chee tat :)
人力部：SMRT司机旷工 属非法罢工
11/27/2012 22:45
人力部：SMRT司机旷工 属非法罢工
SMRT同中国籍巴士司机的劳资纠纷进入第二天，共有67名司机今天还是没上班。人力部指这起集体缺勤行为是"非法罢工"，并表示政府绝不容忍。目前警方已经介入调查这次的罢工事件。
人力部和交通部就SMRT一群巴士司机缺勤事件，召开联合记者会。人力部代部长陈川仁表示，尽管巴士司机有不满，他们的行为却影响到公共交通服务，这是无法接受的。
陈川仁说：“这些巴士司机自行采取行动，已经明显做得过分。我们绝不容忍这样的非法行为，因为基础服务受干扰，不只影响到业界员工，也影响到了全部新加坡人，和每个社区居民。”
交通部则表示，SMRT巴士司机群体罢工期间，公众等候巴士的时间可能会延长，但是所有巴士线路，都能保持运作。
交通部政务部长杨莉明说：“昨天SMRT的巴士服务水平，还是能够维持在一般水平的90%。那么到了今天，由于有一些车长，他们回到岗位上。今天的服务水平基本上可以恢复到一般的95%。”
陆路交通管理局也向新捷运和私人巴士业者借调了一批巴士司机给SMRT，以减少罢工事件对巴士服务的影响。当局强调,外国劳工如果有诉求，应该通过正常渠道，包括工会、职总外劳委员会等，展开良性沟通。
- wong chee tat :)
人力部：SMRT司机旷工 属非法罢工
SMRT同中国籍巴士司机的劳资纠纷进入第二天，共有67名司机今天还是没上班。人力部指这起集体缺勤行为是"非法罢工"，并表示政府绝不容忍。目前警方已经介入调查这次的罢工事件。
人力部和交通部就SMRT一群巴士司机缺勤事件，召开联合记者会。人力部代部长陈川仁表示，尽管巴士司机有不满，他们的行为却影响到公共交通服务，这是无法接受的。
陈川仁说：“这些巴士司机自行采取行动，已经明显做得过分。我们绝不容忍这样的非法行为，因为基础服务受干扰，不只影响到业界员工，也影响到了全部新加坡人，和每个社区居民。”
交通部则表示，SMRT巴士司机群体罢工期间，公众等候巴士的时间可能会延长，但是所有巴士线路，都能保持运作。
交通部政务部长杨莉明说：“昨天SMRT的巴士服务水平，还是能够维持在一般水平的90%。那么到了今天，由于有一些车长，他们回到岗位上。今天的服务水平基本上可以恢复到一般的95%。”
陆路交通管理局也向新捷运和私人巴士业者借调了一批巴士司机给SMRT，以减少罢工事件对巴士服务的影响。当局强调,外国劳工如果有诉求，应该通过正常渠道，包括工会、职总外劳委员会等，展开良性沟通。
- wong chee tat :)
杨莉明：SMRT巴士车长的罢工行动 不能被接受
28/11/2012
杨莉明：SMRT巴士车长的罢工行动 不能被接受
交通部政务部长杨莉明说：当局严肃看待SMRT巴士车长的罢工行动，公共交通服务作为必要服务，任何有组织性的旷工行动必定影响巴士乘客，这是不能被接受的。
杨莉明在人力部和交通部联合召开的记者会上也说：陆路交通管理局在同其他业者沟通，希望他们能够在有需要的时候，借出车长来协助 SMRT 公司。目前，当局已经网罗到40名车长随时待命，在必要时协助解决SMRT的燃眉之急。
“新捷运已经承诺会借出一些车长，来弥补SMRT可能会面临的空缺。陆交局也联络了一些私人的业者，他们也承诺会提供一些车长。现在，陆交局在进一步地去做准备的工作，比如说要怎么让这些车长熟悉路线，要通过怎样的过程，让他们正式地填补这些工作。”
杨莉明也说：SMRT巴士车长这两天的罢工行动并未对我国巴士服务造成太大的影响，所有的巴士路线还是照常运行。
“昨天SMRT的服务水平还是能够维持在一般水平的百分之90，到了今天，由于有一些车长回到岗位上，今天的服务水平基本上是可以回升到一般的百分之95。为此我们必须感激一些车长，他们挺身而出。”
- wong chee tat :)
杨莉明：SMRT巴士车长的罢工行动 不能被接受
交通部政务部长杨莉明说：当局严肃看待SMRT巴士车长的罢工行动，公共交通服务作为必要服务，任何有组织性的旷工行动必定影响巴士乘客，这是不能被接受的。
杨莉明在人力部和交通部联合召开的记者会上也说：陆路交通管理局在同其他业者沟通，希望他们能够在有需要的时候，借出车长来协助 SMRT 公司。目前，当局已经网罗到40名车长随时待命，在必要时协助解决SMRT的燃眉之急。
“新捷运已经承诺会借出一些车长，来弥补SMRT可能会面临的空缺。陆交局也联络了一些私人的业者，他们也承诺会提供一些车长。现在，陆交局在进一步地去做准备的工作，比如说要怎么让这些车长熟悉路线，要通过怎样的过程，让他们正式地填补这些工作。”
杨莉明也说：SMRT巴士车长这两天的罢工行动并未对我国巴士服务造成太大的影响，所有的巴士路线还是照常运行。
“昨天SMRT的服务水平还是能够维持在一般水平的百分之90，到了今天，由于有一些车长回到岗位上，今天的服务水平基本上是可以回升到一般的百分之95。为此我们必须感激一些车长，他们挺身而出。”
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT向警方报案 以调查旷工中国籍车长是否触犯法律
28/11/2012
SMRT向警方报案 以调查旷工中国籍车长是否触犯法律
SMRT已经向警方报案，以调查旷工的中国籍车长是否触犯法律，而公司也在调查车长是否违法雇用条例。
SMRT发表声明说，前天总共有171名中国籍巴士车长旷工，其中102名是早班车长，69名值午班。公司管理层和这些车长讨论后同意会探讨他们对薪金待遇的不满，而车长也同意隔天复工。不过，昨天早班仍然有68名车长旷工，午班则有20人没有上班。这些车长不负责任的行为导致巴士服务延误，公司严肃看待这种情形，而首要任务是确保巴士服务尽快恢复正常。
SMRT将继续同所有中国籍车长沟通，以解释目前的情况，同时呼吁车长通过正确渠道讨论工作问题。公司也要让没有参与这两天旷工行动的车长知道，公司仍然重视他们的服务。
SMRT强调，车长同管理层沟通的渠道仍然开放，同时吁请车长不该采取非法行动来表达不满情绪。公司对乘客造成的不便致歉，同时向那些挺身而出，代替旷工车长值班的车长表达谢意。
另一方面，今日报的记者目睹一辆中国大使馆的汽车来到兀兰的车长宿舍，有两人下车走入宿舍内。
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT向警方报案 以调查旷工中国籍车长是否触犯法律
SMRT已经向警方报案，以调查旷工的中国籍车长是否触犯法律，而公司也在调查车长是否违法雇用条例。
SMRT发表声明说，前天总共有171名中国籍巴士车长旷工，其中102名是早班车长，69名值午班。公司管理层和这些车长讨论后同意会探讨他们对薪金待遇的不满，而车长也同意隔天复工。不过，昨天早班仍然有68名车长旷工，午班则有20人没有上班。这些车长不负责任的行为导致巴士服务延误，公司严肃看待这种情形，而首要任务是确保巴士服务尽快恢复正常。
SMRT将继续同所有中国籍车长沟通，以解释目前的情况，同时呼吁车长通过正确渠道讨论工作问题。公司也要让没有参与这两天旷工行动的车长知道，公司仍然重视他们的服务。
SMRT强调，车长同管理层沟通的渠道仍然开放，同时吁请车长不该采取非法行动来表达不满情绪。公司对乘客造成的不便致歉，同时向那些挺身而出，代替旷工车长值班的车长表达谢意。
另一方面，今日报的记者目睹一辆中国大使馆的汽车来到兀兰的车长宿舍，有两人下车走入宿舍内。
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
SMRT wage protest sees no show by 60 drivers
SMRT wage protest sees no show by 60 drivers
Posted: 27 November 2012 1109 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT confirms that 60 of the 102 drivers involved in a wage protest on Monday did not show up for work on Tuesday.
A statement from SMRT says that some 60 drivers "did not turn up for work in the morning, some of whom have valid medical reasons."
SMRT adds that some bus services may have been affected on Tuesday morning as a result, and it has activated other drivers to assist.
"We continue to keep our communications open with the Service Leaders, and are also working with the relevant authorities to find an amicable resolution," says the statement.
According to TODAY tweets, police are at the SMRT's rented dormitory for its drivers in Woodlands and two police cars are spotted.
The tweets also quoted an SMRT source as saying that no arrests have been made and that those who do not turn up for work on Tuesday will be sacked.
An SMRT source was also quoted by Today as saying that if workers do not have a valid reason, they will be referred to higher management as it's a sit-in and not a law and order problem. The spokesman also adds that no arrests will be made and that police are only on standby.
Channel NewsAsia understands that a doctor is at the Woodlands dormitory to check if the workers have valid reasons to be absent from work.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 27 November 2012 1109 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT confirms that 60 of the 102 drivers involved in a wage protest on Monday did not show up for work on Tuesday.
A statement from SMRT says that some 60 drivers "did not turn up for work in the morning, some of whom have valid medical reasons."
SMRT adds that some bus services may have been affected on Tuesday morning as a result, and it has activated other drivers to assist.
"We continue to keep our communications open with the Service Leaders, and are also working with the relevant authorities to find an amicable resolution," says the statement.
According to TODAY tweets, police are at the SMRT's rented dormitory for its drivers in Woodlands and two police cars are spotted.
The tweets also quoted an SMRT source as saying that no arrests have been made and that those who do not turn up for work on Tuesday will be sacked.
An SMRT source was also quoted by Today as saying that if workers do not have a valid reason, they will be referred to higher management as it's a sit-in and not a law and order problem. The spokesman also adds that no arrests will be made and that police are only on standby.
Channel NewsAsia understands that a doctor is at the Woodlands dormitory to check if the workers have valid reasons to be absent from work.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT concludes talks with no-show bus drivers
SMRT concludes talks with no-show bus drivers
By S Ramesh | Posted: 26 November 2012 1912 hrs
SINGAPORE: Talks between SMRT management and its 102 bus drivers who refused to report for work on Monday have concluded.
According to workers Channel NewsAsia spoke to, SMRT management has indicated that the company will come back with a reply in approximately a week's time.
It is also understood that the 102 workers have agreed to return to work on Tuesday.
A spokesman for SMRT said the bus drivers involved were from China and that earlier reports saying nearly 200 bus drivers were involved were incorrect.
SMRT also revealed in a statement that the no-show was triggered by unhappiness over a recent salary increment given by the company.
According to residents living in the Woodlands dormitory where the bus drivers are staying, the drivers had refused to leave for work at 4am Monday when several SMRT buses arrived at the dormitory to pick them up.
Several bus lines were affected, said the SMRT statement.
Officials from SMRT headquarters arrived at the dormitory on Monday morning.
Talks began at about 4pm and lasted for approximately two hours.
SMRT had offered to bring the workers to a bigger meeting room for negotiations. The workers however refused to leave the dormitory.
About 50 bus drivers were involved in the talks.
An SMRT spokesperson said that drivers who were not rostered to work on Monday were requested to work as a result of the no-show by the 102 drivers.
SMRT in its statement said that it "regrets that (the drivers) chose to express their unhappiness about their salaries by not reporting to work today".
The company also apologised to commuters who were inconvenienced by the affected bus services.
Separately, the National Transport Workers' Union (NTWU) issued a statement that said the union could not represent the affected workers as they were not union members.
NTWU urged the workers involved to return to work immediately and added that the union was prepared to help in negotiations between SMRT management and the workers if both parties welcomed its involvement.
The Ministry of Manpower also said in a statement that it took the workers' actions very seriously and that it was looking into the matter.
Labour relations officers from the ministry were also on site at the Woodlands dormitory during negotiations.
SMRT said that relevant authorities have already been informed about the situation, adding that the company has been hiring bus drivers from China since 2008.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By S Ramesh | Posted: 26 November 2012 1912 hrs
SINGAPORE: Talks between SMRT management and its 102 bus drivers who refused to report for work on Monday have concluded.
According to workers Channel NewsAsia spoke to, SMRT management has indicated that the company will come back with a reply in approximately a week's time.
It is also understood that the 102 workers have agreed to return to work on Tuesday.
A spokesman for SMRT said the bus drivers involved were from China and that earlier reports saying nearly 200 bus drivers were involved were incorrect.
SMRT also revealed in a statement that the no-show was triggered by unhappiness over a recent salary increment given by the company.
According to residents living in the Woodlands dormitory where the bus drivers are staying, the drivers had refused to leave for work at 4am Monday when several SMRT buses arrived at the dormitory to pick them up.
Several bus lines were affected, said the SMRT statement.
Officials from SMRT headquarters arrived at the dormitory on Monday morning.
Talks began at about 4pm and lasted for approximately two hours.
SMRT had offered to bring the workers to a bigger meeting room for negotiations. The workers however refused to leave the dormitory.
About 50 bus drivers were involved in the talks.
An SMRT spokesperson said that drivers who were not rostered to work on Monday were requested to work as a result of the no-show by the 102 drivers.
SMRT in its statement said that it "regrets that (the drivers) chose to express their unhappiness about their salaries by not reporting to work today".
The company also apologised to commuters who were inconvenienced by the affected bus services.
Separately, the National Transport Workers' Union (NTWU) issued a statement that said the union could not represent the affected workers as they were not union members.
NTWU urged the workers involved to return to work immediately and added that the union was prepared to help in negotiations between SMRT management and the workers if both parties welcomed its involvement.
The Ministry of Manpower also said in a statement that it took the workers' actions very seriously and that it was looking into the matter.
Labour relations officers from the ministry were also on site at the Woodlands dormitory during negotiations.
SMRT said that relevant authorities have already been informed about the situation, adding that the company has been hiring bus drivers from China since 2008.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT bus drivers who refused to go to work in talks with management
SMRT bus drivers who refused to go to work in talks with management
By S Ramesh | Posted: 26 November 2012 1709 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport provider SMRT said that it is in talks with its bus drivers who refused to go to work on Monday.
A spokesman for SMRT said the 102 bus drivers involved were from China and their service leaders are currently in talks with SMRT management.
SMRT said earlier reports that nearly 200 bus drivers were involved were incorrect.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the bus drivers had stayed away from work as a result of unhappiness over their pay.
According to residents living in the Woodlands dormitory where the bus drivers are staying, the drivers refused to leave for work at 4am on Monday when several SMRT buses arrived at the dormitory to pick them up.
Officials from SMRT headquarters have been at the dormitory since Monday morning and talks began at about 4pm.
About 50 bus drivers are involved in the ongoing discussions.
An SMRT spokesperson said that drivers who were not rostered to work on Monday were requested to work as a result of the no-show by the 102 drivers.
Separately, the National Transport Workers' Union (NTWU) issued a statement that said the union could not represent the affected workers as they were not union members.
NTWU urged the workers involved to return to work immediately and added that the union was prepared to help in negotiations between SMRT management and the workers if both parties welcomed its involvement.
SMRT said that relevant authorities have already been informed about the situation and added that the company has been hiring bus drivers from China since 2008.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By S Ramesh | Posted: 26 November 2012 1709 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport provider SMRT said that it is in talks with its bus drivers who refused to go to work on Monday.
A spokesman for SMRT said the 102 bus drivers involved were from China and their service leaders are currently in talks with SMRT management.
SMRT said earlier reports that nearly 200 bus drivers were involved were incorrect.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the bus drivers had stayed away from work as a result of unhappiness over their pay.
According to residents living in the Woodlands dormitory where the bus drivers are staying, the drivers refused to leave for work at 4am on Monday when several SMRT buses arrived at the dormitory to pick them up.
Officials from SMRT headquarters have been at the dormitory since Monday morning and talks began at about 4pm.
About 50 bus drivers are involved in the ongoing discussions.
An SMRT spokesperson said that drivers who were not rostered to work on Monday were requested to work as a result of the no-show by the 102 drivers.
Separately, the National Transport Workers' Union (NTWU) issued a statement that said the union could not represent the affected workers as they were not union members.
NTWU urged the workers involved to return to work immediately and added that the union was prepared to help in negotiations between SMRT management and the workers if both parties welcomed its involvement.
SMRT said that relevant authorities have already been informed about the situation and added that the company has been hiring bus drivers from China since 2008.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, October 22, 2012
Foreign varsities still a big draw for students
Foreign varsities still a big draw for students
By Amanda Lee, TODAY | Posted: 22 October 2012 0608 hrs
SINGAPORE: More students from Singapore have been heading to universities in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia in recent years, despite the growing plaudits for the Republic's education system and changes made to jazz up the tertiary sector here.
From 2008 to last year, the number of students from Singapore studying in the UK has grown by between 10 and 18 per cent each year.
This could be due to rising affluence coupled with smaller family sizes, the high quality of education of other countries, the strong Singapore dollar and students growing up in a globalised world, observers say.
The number of students who applied to study at a university in the US rose to 4,316 last year, from 3,039 in 2006.
Students TODAY spoke to said they chose to study abroad as they wanted a new learning experience in a different country.
Although she was offered a place in a local polytechnic after completing her O levels, Jac L chose to enrol in a university overseas.
"I was planning to go to a polytechnic, but it takes three years," said the 19-year-old.
"If I go to Australia, I would only need (to take) one year of foundation and then (I am able to) enter university.
"It is much faster and I don't have to go through the stressful and competitive education (system) in Singapore."
The second-year student at the University of New South Wales also felt that foreign universities are more internationally recognised and employers may view having "exposure" to a different environment as an asset.
Mr Kelly Koh, Director for Education at the British Council in Singapore, pointed out that the duration of studies have bearing on students' decisions.
The typical three-year undergraduate programmes with honours and the one-year master's courses in the UK "have always been an attraction" as they have impact on cost both financial and opportunity cost, he said.
"Other factors include the quality of student support, and even issues like the ease of obtaining visas and possibly post-work employment," he added. - TODAY
- wong chee tat :)
By Amanda Lee, TODAY | Posted: 22 October 2012 0608 hrs
SINGAPORE: More students from Singapore have been heading to universities in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia in recent years, despite the growing plaudits for the Republic's education system and changes made to jazz up the tertiary sector here.
From 2008 to last year, the number of students from Singapore studying in the UK has grown by between 10 and 18 per cent each year.
This could be due to rising affluence coupled with smaller family sizes, the high quality of education of other countries, the strong Singapore dollar and students growing up in a globalised world, observers say.
The number of students who applied to study at a university in the US rose to 4,316 last year, from 3,039 in 2006.
Students TODAY spoke to said they chose to study abroad as they wanted a new learning experience in a different country.
Although she was offered a place in a local polytechnic after completing her O levels, Jac L chose to enrol in a university overseas.
"I was planning to go to a polytechnic, but it takes three years," said the 19-year-old.
"If I go to Australia, I would only need (to take) one year of foundation and then (I am able to) enter university.
"It is much faster and I don't have to go through the stressful and competitive education (system) in Singapore."
The second-year student at the University of New South Wales also felt that foreign universities are more internationally recognised and employers may view having "exposure" to a different environment as an asset.
Mr Kelly Koh, Director for Education at the British Council in Singapore, pointed out that the duration of studies have bearing on students' decisions.
The typical three-year undergraduate programmes with honours and the one-year master's courses in the UK "have always been an attraction" as they have impact on cost both financial and opportunity cost, he said.
"Other factors include the quality of student support, and even issues like the ease of obtaining visas and possibly post-work employment," he added. - TODAY
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
S'pore slips to 3rd spot in global city rankings
S'pore slips to 3rd spot in global city rankings
By Travis Teo | Posted: 24 January 2011 1646 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore has slipped to third spot in the rankings for the most globalised city in the world last year.
The republic comes behind Hong Kong, which took the top spot, followed by Ireland, in the latest Ernst & Young Globalisation Index.
The index measures the world's 60 largest economies based on their degree of globalisation relative to their GDP.
Singapore took top spot in the index in 2009.
In its latest findings, the accounting firm found that the city state has lower scores for labour and technology compared to the year before.
Managing partner at Ernst & Young, Steven Phan, said: "The lower net migration, and reduction of trade in R&D as a proportion of GDP, has reduced Singapore's score."
But Singapore saw an improvement in score for cultural integration and has continued to perform strongly in terms of openness to trade and capital movements.
Looking ahead, Ernst & Young expects Singapore's globalisation score to steadily improve between this year and 2014.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong, which takes the top spot, saw improvements in all categories except technology, and is particularly strong in trade.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat
By Travis Teo | Posted: 24 January 2011 1646 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore has slipped to third spot in the rankings for the most globalised city in the world last year.
The republic comes behind Hong Kong, which took the top spot, followed by Ireland, in the latest Ernst & Young Globalisation Index.
The index measures the world's 60 largest economies based on their degree of globalisation relative to their GDP.
Singapore took top spot in the index in 2009.
In its latest findings, the accounting firm found that the city state has lower scores for labour and technology compared to the year before.
Managing partner at Ernst & Young, Steven Phan, said: "The lower net migration, and reduction of trade in R&D as a proportion of GDP, has reduced Singapore's score."
But Singapore saw an improvement in score for cultural integration and has continued to perform strongly in terms of openness to trade and capital movements.
Looking ahead, Ernst & Young expects Singapore's globalisation score to steadily improve between this year and 2014.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong, which takes the top spot, saw improvements in all categories except technology, and is particularly strong in trade.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat
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