Squashed that Bug
- Pic from Internet
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label kill bedbugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kill bedbugs. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Sunday, December 2, 2012
29 bus drivers who will be repatriated will be paid: SMRT
29 bus drivers who will be repatriated will be paid: SMRT
Posted: 01 December 2012 2156 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT said the 29 drivers who will be repatriated will be paid, before they leave the country. They will be given all salaries, all claims if any, and ex gratia bonuses on a pro-rated basis.
In its statement on Saturday evening, SMRT said there are valuable lessons learnt from this incident which are being addressed by the management.
SMRT said it needs to improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more proactive, responsible and sensitive to the needs of its drivers.
SMRT said: "We are determined to come out stronger from this episode. We want to thank all our drivers for continuing to work hard on the roads to serve our passengers, and we value their service to the company. We will continue to actively engage all drivers at all levels to address their concerns holistically, and work together to make the workplace a more conducive one for everybody."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 December 2012 2156 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT said the 29 drivers who will be repatriated will be paid, before they leave the country. They will be given all salaries, all claims if any, and ex gratia bonuses on a pro-rated basis.
In its statement on Saturday evening, SMRT said there are valuable lessons learnt from this incident which are being addressed by the management.
SMRT said it needs to improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more proactive, responsible and sensitive to the needs of its drivers.
SMRT said: "We are determined to come out stronger from this episode. We want to thank all our drivers for continuing to work hard on the roads to serve our passengers, and we value their service to the company. We will continue to actively engage all drivers at all levels to address their concerns holistically, and work together to make the workplace a more conducive one for everybody."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Police round up more than 20 SMRT bus drivers
Police round up more than 20 SMRT bus drivers
Posted: 01 December 2012 1420 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 20 SMRT bus drivers have been taken from their dormitories on Saturday morning to a processing centre at Admiralty West Prison.
They are believed to have taken part in the illegal strike on Monday and Tuesday.
SMRT said it is assisting police with investigations.
On Monday, 171 SMRT bus drivers took part in the illegal strike over pay dispute at Woodlands Dormitory and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
- CNA/xq/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 December 2012 1420 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 20 SMRT bus drivers have been taken from their dormitories on Saturday morning to a processing centre at Admiralty West Prison.
They are believed to have taken part in the illegal strike on Monday and Tuesday.
SMRT said it is assisting police with investigations.
On Monday, 171 SMRT bus drivers took part in the illegal strike over pay dispute at Woodlands Dormitory and 88 of them continued with the strike on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 20 SMRT bus drivers were called in by police to help with investigations.
- CNA/xq/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, December 1, 2012
SMRT's CEO Kuek visits China bus drivers at Serangoon dormitory
SMRT's CEO Kuek visits China bus drivers at Serangoon dormitory
Posted: 30 November 2012 2146 hrs
SINGAPORE: President and CEO of SMRT Desmond Kuek on Friday visited the workers' dormitory at Serangoon and spoke to China bus drivers there.
An SMRT statement said Mr Kuek's visit was to understand at first hand their concerns and appreciate their current living conditions.
It said Mr Kuek noted that the conditions in the dormitories could certainly be better, and said feedback had been given to the dormitory operators to improve the living conditions there.
Fumigation works to tackle complaints of bedbugs in some dormitory rooms was done last month, and again this week. SMRT said alternative housing arrangements will be made earlier if conditions do not improve.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Kuek visited the Ang Mo Kio bus depot to monitor the situation of bus operations and to ensure that all bus services continue to be maintained and run normally.
Commenting on the four drivers from China who have been arrested and charged in court on Thursday, Mr Kuek said SMRT is managing the morale of the other drivers who are understandingly anxious about the outcome.
Mr Kuek said the drivers he met in the afternoon had assured him that they will continue to work hard to serve their passengers.
Thanking them for their positive attitude, Mr Kuek assured the drivers that SMRT values their service and will improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more responsive and sensitive to their needs.
As for those who took part in the strikes on Monday and Tuesday, Mr Kuek reiterated that SMRT takes a serious view of their illegal actions, and said that they should have used the proper channels to raise their concerns and feedback.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 30 November 2012 2146 hrs
SINGAPORE: President and CEO of SMRT Desmond Kuek on Friday visited the workers' dormitory at Serangoon and spoke to China bus drivers there.
An SMRT statement said Mr Kuek's visit was to understand at first hand their concerns and appreciate their current living conditions.
It said Mr Kuek noted that the conditions in the dormitories could certainly be better, and said feedback had been given to the dormitory operators to improve the living conditions there.
Fumigation works to tackle complaints of bedbugs in some dormitory rooms was done last month, and again this week. SMRT said alternative housing arrangements will be made earlier if conditions do not improve.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Kuek visited the Ang Mo Kio bus depot to monitor the situation of bus operations and to ensure that all bus services continue to be maintained and run normally.
Commenting on the four drivers from China who have been arrested and charged in court on Thursday, Mr Kuek said SMRT is managing the morale of the other drivers who are understandingly anxious about the outcome.
Mr Kuek said the drivers he met in the afternoon had assured him that they will continue to work hard to serve their passengers.
Thanking them for their positive attitude, Mr Kuek assured the drivers that SMRT values their service and will improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more responsive and sensitive to their needs.
As for those who took part in the strikes on Monday and Tuesday, Mr Kuek reiterated that SMRT takes a serious view of their illegal actions, and said that they should have used the proper channels to raise their concerns and feedback.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
20 SMRT bus drivers assisting police in investigations
20 SMRT bus drivers assisting police in investigations
By Kimberly Spykerman, Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 28 November 2012 1745 hrs
SINGAPORE: Most of the bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over a pay dispute have returned to work except for six who had valid medical reasons.
Providing an update at a media conference, transport operator SMRT said that 20 bus drivers from China and SMRT personnel are assisting the police in their investigations.
SMRT added that disciplinary action will be taken against those who didn't turn up for work and didn't have valid reasons but did not disclose what the disciplinary action would include.
At the conference, SMRT also clarified the pay of their bus drivers which was at the heart of illegal strikes this week.
It said drivers from China are hired on two-year contracts unlike those from Malaysia who are employed on a permanent basis.
SMRT said while the starting pay for drivers from China is lower, the company provides them with accommodation and utilities, as well as transport to the workplace.
In July, bus drivers on permanent employment received an increment in their starting pay while a special increment of S$75 was given to China nationals out of goodwill.
Another round of salary adjustments for those on permanent employment was made in October and a similar adjustment of S$25 per month for China nationals was finalised last week.
Unfortunately, the illegal strike took place even before the bus drivers knew about their salary adjustments.
In a statement, labour movement NTUC said management should recognise the positive role the union can play.
NTUC added that the majority of foreign bus drivers in SMRT have not joined the union.
SMRT's executive vice president for roads & commercial, Mr Teo Chew Hoon, said: "We encourage our drivers to join the unions so that they can be represented. Perhaps we didn't do enough to encourage them.
SMRT pointed out that drivers had been given a special increment before this even though such an increase was not in their contract.
The public transport operator said it pays competitive market wages.
It added that its remuneration packages for service leaders from China and Malaysia are equitable, with the foreign worker levy, as well as transport, accommodation and utilities covered.
Turning to concerns over dormitory conditions, SMRT acknowledged that swifter actions could have been taken.
It has decided to provide alternative accommodation when the leases for the dormitories expire from early 2013.
SMRT noted that the drivers had concerns over issues such as bed bugs at the dormitories provided by private operators.
Fumigation works, which were scheduled at the Woodlands dormitory, will be carried out as soon as possible.
Measures such as remedial works on fittings are already underway.
SMRT's management had assured the drivers, or Service Leaders (SLs), during the discussion on November 26 that it will review and address their concerns.
It will share its decision with them next week.
Mr Teo said: "There are lessons from this episode, including how we can better engage our SLs and we will improve in this area. In the meantime, we are doing our utmost to make immediate improvements to their living conditions. For majority of our Chinese SLs who are putting their best in their duties, I would like to reassure them that we continue to value their services."
SMRT said the attendance of drivers is back to normal and that all its bus services are running as scheduled.
It added that the six drivers who did not turn for work on Wednesday morning had valid reasons for being absent.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman, Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 28 November 2012 1745 hrs
SINGAPORE: Most of the bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over a pay dispute have returned to work except for six who had valid medical reasons.
Providing an update at a media conference, transport operator SMRT said that 20 bus drivers from China and SMRT personnel are assisting the police in their investigations.
SMRT added that disciplinary action will be taken against those who didn't turn up for work and didn't have valid reasons but did not disclose what the disciplinary action would include.
At the conference, SMRT also clarified the pay of their bus drivers which was at the heart of illegal strikes this week.
It said drivers from China are hired on two-year contracts unlike those from Malaysia who are employed on a permanent basis.
SMRT said while the starting pay for drivers from China is lower, the company provides them with accommodation and utilities, as well as transport to the workplace.
In July, bus drivers on permanent employment received an increment in their starting pay while a special increment of S$75 was given to China nationals out of goodwill.
Another round of salary adjustments for those on permanent employment was made in October and a similar adjustment of S$25 per month for China nationals was finalised last week.
Unfortunately, the illegal strike took place even before the bus drivers knew about their salary adjustments.
In a statement, labour movement NTUC said management should recognise the positive role the union can play.
NTUC added that the majority of foreign bus drivers in SMRT have not joined the union.
SMRT's executive vice president for roads & commercial, Mr Teo Chew Hoon, said: "We encourage our drivers to join the unions so that they can be represented. Perhaps we didn't do enough to encourage them.
SMRT pointed out that drivers had been given a special increment before this even though such an increase was not in their contract.
The public transport operator said it pays competitive market wages.
It added that its remuneration packages for service leaders from China and Malaysia are equitable, with the foreign worker levy, as well as transport, accommodation and utilities covered.
Turning to concerns over dormitory conditions, SMRT acknowledged that swifter actions could have been taken.
It has decided to provide alternative accommodation when the leases for the dormitories expire from early 2013.
SMRT noted that the drivers had concerns over issues such as bed bugs at the dormitories provided by private operators.
Fumigation works, which were scheduled at the Woodlands dormitory, will be carried out as soon as possible.
Measures such as remedial works on fittings are already underway.
SMRT's management had assured the drivers, or Service Leaders (SLs), during the discussion on November 26 that it will review and address their concerns.
It will share its decision with them next week.
Mr Teo said: "There are lessons from this episode, including how we can better engage our SLs and we will improve in this area. In the meantime, we are doing our utmost to make immediate improvements to their living conditions. For majority of our Chinese SLs who are putting their best in their duties, I would like to reassure them that we continue to value their services."
SMRT said the attendance of drivers is back to normal and that all its bus services are running as scheduled.
It added that the six drivers who did not turn for work on Wednesday morning had valid reasons for being absent.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
How Bed Bugs Outsmart Poisons Designed To Control Them
How Bed Bugs Outsmart Poisons Designed To Control Them
ScienceDaily (Jan. 10, 2009) — Bed bugs, once nearly eradicated in the built environment, have made a big comeback recently, especially in urban centers such as New York City. In the first study to explain the failure to control certain bed bug populations, toxicologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Korea’s Seoul National University show that some of these nocturnal blood suckers have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, in particular deltamethrin, that attack their nervous systems.
The study by senior researcher John Clark and colleagues in the current issue of the Journal of Medical Entomology reveals that these pests have evolved to outsmart the latest generation of chemicals used to control them since DDT was banned. In providing this first look at a mechanism, the researchers summarize that diagnostic tools to detect the relevant mutation in bed bug populations have been “urgently needed for effective control and resistance management.”
Specifically, Clark and colleagues found that bed bugs in New York City have acquired mutations in their nerve cells, which blunt the neurotoxic effect of the pyrethroid toxins used against them. The mutations affect sodium channels (resembling pores) in the neurons’ outer membrane, where electrical nerve impulses are produced. In the past, these nervous system poisons could effectively paralyze and kill the bugs, but this is no longer always the case.
Resistance means mutations are acquired over time by selection with pyrethroids, so the neuronal pores no longer respond to their toxic effects. Clark and colleagues found that these pores in New York City bed bugs are now as much as 264 times more resistant to deltamethrin (Deltamethrin is toxic to humans). This means that even if treated, New York City bed bugs go on to suck blood from unsuspecting sleepers for many more nights.
The researchers are not sure how widely this resistance has spread, that is, whether the bugs that infest hotels, apartment buildings and homes in places other than New York City have developed the same type of immunity to chemical control. But as Clark states, “This type of pyrethroid resistance is common in many pest insects and the failure of the pyrethroids to control bed bug populations across the United States and elsewhere indicates that resistance is already widespread.”
For this study, the researchers collected hard-to-control bed bugs from New York City, plus easy-to-control bed bugs from an untreated colony in Florida, Clark explains. The New York population was determined to be highly resistant (264 times more resistant) to deltamethrin compared to the Florida population by contact exposure. Further, they found that resistance was not due to the increased breakdown of deltamethrin (enzymatic metabolism) by the resistant bed bugs but appeared to be due to an insensitive nervous system.
Using molecular techniques, they sequenced genes related to the sodium ion channel’s operation in both groups and identified two mutations found only in the resistant population. Similar mutations have been found in other pyrethroid-resistant insects and are likely the cause of the resistance in bed bugs, Clark and colleagues note. This helps to narrow the focus of the next set of experiments designed to reveal more about the acquired resistance.
There are several kinds of bed bugs but the one best adapted to the human environment is known in Latin as Cimex (“a bug”) lectularius (“lying down at home”), which shows how long they’ve been with us. Bed bugs arrived here with the earliest European visitors. These nocturnal pests feed about once every five to 10 days but are not thought to spread disease. They use two tubes, one to inject an anticoagulant and mild anesthetic, the other to suck blood.
- wong chee tat :)
ScienceDaily (Jan. 10, 2009) — Bed bugs, once nearly eradicated in the built environment, have made a big comeback recently, especially in urban centers such as New York City. In the first study to explain the failure to control certain bed bug populations, toxicologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Korea’s Seoul National University show that some of these nocturnal blood suckers have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, in particular deltamethrin, that attack their nervous systems.
The study by senior researcher John Clark and colleagues in the current issue of the Journal of Medical Entomology reveals that these pests have evolved to outsmart the latest generation of chemicals used to control them since DDT was banned. In providing this first look at a mechanism, the researchers summarize that diagnostic tools to detect the relevant mutation in bed bug populations have been “urgently needed for effective control and resistance management.”
Specifically, Clark and colleagues found that bed bugs in New York City have acquired mutations in their nerve cells, which blunt the neurotoxic effect of the pyrethroid toxins used against them. The mutations affect sodium channels (resembling pores) in the neurons’ outer membrane, where electrical nerve impulses are produced. In the past, these nervous system poisons could effectively paralyze and kill the bugs, but this is no longer always the case.
Resistance means mutations are acquired over time by selection with pyrethroids, so the neuronal pores no longer respond to their toxic effects. Clark and colleagues found that these pores in New York City bed bugs are now as much as 264 times more resistant to deltamethrin (Deltamethrin is toxic to humans). This means that even if treated, New York City bed bugs go on to suck blood from unsuspecting sleepers for many more nights.
The researchers are not sure how widely this resistance has spread, that is, whether the bugs that infest hotels, apartment buildings and homes in places other than New York City have developed the same type of immunity to chemical control. But as Clark states, “This type of pyrethroid resistance is common in many pest insects and the failure of the pyrethroids to control bed bug populations across the United States and elsewhere indicates that resistance is already widespread.”
For this study, the researchers collected hard-to-control bed bugs from New York City, plus easy-to-control bed bugs from an untreated colony in Florida, Clark explains. The New York population was determined to be highly resistant (264 times more resistant) to deltamethrin compared to the Florida population by contact exposure. Further, they found that resistance was not due to the increased breakdown of deltamethrin (enzymatic metabolism) by the resistant bed bugs but appeared to be due to an insensitive nervous system.
Using molecular techniques, they sequenced genes related to the sodium ion channel’s operation in both groups and identified two mutations found only in the resistant population. Similar mutations have been found in other pyrethroid-resistant insects and are likely the cause of the resistance in bed bugs, Clark and colleagues note. This helps to narrow the focus of the next set of experiments designed to reveal more about the acquired resistance.
There are several kinds of bed bugs but the one best adapted to the human environment is known in Latin as Cimex (“a bug”) lectularius (“lying down at home”), which shows how long they’ve been with us. Bed bugs arrived here with the earliest European visitors. These nocturnal pests feed about once every five to 10 days but are not thought to spread disease. They use two tubes, one to inject an anticoagulant and mild anesthetic, the other to suck blood.
- wong chee tat :)
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