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 :)
Showing posts with label resume. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resume. Show all posts
Thursday, December 6, 2012
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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
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 :)
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 :)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)