SBS Transit and SMRT submit applications for fare adjustments
The PTC commenced its annual fare review exercise on Nov 19, and Friday (Dec 19) is the deadline for public transport operators to submit their applications for fare review for consideration.
SINGAPORE: The Public Transport Council (PTC) has received applications for fare adjustments from Singapore's two public transport operators - SBS Transit and SMRT.
SBS Transit submitted its application for bus and rail fare adjustments "amidst an environment of rising costs", it said in a press release on Friday (Dec 19).
SMRT said last month that it is seeking "a better alignment of fares and operating costs".
The PTC commenced its annual fare review exercise on Nov 19, and Friday is the deadline for public transport operators to submit their applications for fare review for consideration. The decision will be announced in the first quarter of next year, according to the PTC.
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew previously told Channel NewsAsia that the maximum allowed public transport fare increase for 2015 is 2.8 per cent.
To evaluate applications, the PTC will take guidance from the fare review mechanism and fare adjustment formula recommended by the Fare Review Mechanism Committee and accepted by the Government in Nov 2013.
- CNA/dl
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label smrt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smrt. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2014
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Spitting incident at Woodlands Interchange under investigation: SMRT
Spitting incident at Woodlands Interchange under investigation: SMRT
POSTED: 23 Oct 2013 14:47
The incident was captured on video and has gone viral. It shows a man spitting at two commuters in a dispute over the jumping of queue.
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT has said a spitting incident at a Woodlands bus interchange on Tuesday is under police investigation.
The incident was captured on video and has gone viral. It shows a man spitting at two commuters in a dispute over the jumping of queue.
They were queuing for bus service 950 at the bus interchange in the evening.
Posting on its Facebook page on Wednesday, SMRT said its staff alerted the police at the onset of the incident at 9.30pm on Tuesday.
It said its security staff had intervened to guide the aggressor away while waiting for police to arrive.
The video has drawn a rash of online comments over the past hours.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 23 Oct 2013 14:47
The incident was captured on video and has gone viral. It shows a man spitting at two commuters in a dispute over the jumping of queue.
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT has said a spitting incident at a Woodlands bus interchange on Tuesday is under police investigation.
The incident was captured on video and has gone viral. It shows a man spitting at two commuters in a dispute over the jumping of queue.
They were queuing for bus service 950 at the bus interchange in the evening.
Posting on its Facebook page on Wednesday, SMRT said its staff alerted the police at the onset of the incident at 9.30pm on Tuesday.
It said its security staff had intervened to guide the aggressor away while waiting for police to arrive.
The video has drawn a rash of online comments over the past hours.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Passenger injured in SMRT bus accident discharged
Passenger injured in SMRT bus accident discharged
POSTED: 22 Jul 2013 1:50 PM
The passenger injured in an SMRT bus accident along Dairy Farm Road on Sunday was discharged from hospital on Monday morning.
SINGAPORE: The passenger injured in an SMRT bus accident along Dairy Farm Road on Sunday was discharged from hospital on Monday morning.
The accident on Sunday morning involved an SMRT Service 700A bus, which had flipped and ended up on its side.
Another passenger, who was trapped in the bus, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The injured male passenger and the 39-year-old bus driver were sent to National University Hospital.
According to a hospital spokesperson, the driver is in a stable condition and is still warded.
In a Facebook posting, SMRT said that its heart is with the families of those affected, and it is doing its best to support and assist the injured and family of the deceased.
SMRT is working closely with the police on their investigation, which includes providing the driver profile and vehicle maintenance records.
Separately in a statement, the Singapore Road Safety Council urged public transport operators to take all necessary measures to make road safety a prominent part of their operations.
Saddened over the accident, the council said passengers on buses should always feel safe and that it is the last place they should expect to lose their lives.
While police investigations are still on-going, the council's chairman, Mr Bernard Tay, said that public transport operators have a duty to ensure the vehicles comply with safety rules and are properly maintained.
Operators should also ensure that drivers adhere strictly to safe, responsible driving behaviour and habits.
The council added that drivers are expected to have sufficient experience for the safe handling and control of the vehicles, taking into account factors such as varying road conditions and environments, for the safety of their passengers.
- CNA/ac/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 22 Jul 2013 1:50 PM
The passenger injured in an SMRT bus accident along Dairy Farm Road on Sunday was discharged from hospital on Monday morning.
SINGAPORE: The passenger injured in an SMRT bus accident along Dairy Farm Road on Sunday was discharged from hospital on Monday morning.
The accident on Sunday morning involved an SMRT Service 700A bus, which had flipped and ended up on its side.
Another passenger, who was trapped in the bus, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The injured male passenger and the 39-year-old bus driver were sent to National University Hospital.
According to a hospital spokesperson, the driver is in a stable condition and is still warded.
In a Facebook posting, SMRT said that its heart is with the families of those affected, and it is doing its best to support and assist the injured and family of the deceased.
SMRT is working closely with the police on their investigation, which includes providing the driver profile and vehicle maintenance records.
Separately in a statement, the Singapore Road Safety Council urged public transport operators to take all necessary measures to make road safety a prominent part of their operations.
Saddened over the accident, the council said passengers on buses should always feel safe and that it is the last place they should expect to lose their lives.
While police investigations are still on-going, the council's chairman, Mr Bernard Tay, said that public transport operators have a duty to ensure the vehicles comply with safety rules and are properly maintained.
Operators should also ensure that drivers adhere strictly to safe, responsible driving behaviour and habits.
The council added that drivers are expected to have sufficient experience for the safe handling and control of the vehicles, taking into account factors such as varying road conditions and environments, for the safety of their passengers.
- CNA/ac/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Passenger dies after SMRT bus flips along Dairy Farm Road
Passenger dies after SMRT bus flips along Dairy Farm Road
By Alice Chia
POSTED: 21 Jul 2013 12:04 PM
UPDATED: 21 Jul 2013 8:31 PM
An accident involving a SMRT bus along Dairy Farm Road towards the Bukit Timah Expressway on Sunday morning has left a man dead and two others injured.
SINGAPORE: An accident involving a SMRT bus along Dairy Farm Road towards BKE on Sunday morning has left a man dead and two others injured.
Bus service 700A had flipped over.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for help at 8.57am.
Its officers found a man, who was a passenger, trapped in the bus.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
SCDF said another male passenger and the male driver were injured.
They were sent to National University Hospital, where both have been warded and are in stable condition.
SMRT said that the driver has been with SMRT since January last year and has been driving the route since July 2012.
It also said the driver had a clean service record with no prior accidents or complaints against him.
He had been last at work on an 8.5-hour shift on 20 July and was deployed at 7am on Sunday, having had more than the required eight-hour rest period between his shifts.
"SMRT has a fleet of 1,137 buses, which undergo strict and thorough preventative maintenance checks. These include mandatory LTA inspection repair, as well as predictive and corrective maintenance of components such as braking and steering mechanisms. The bus involved in this morning's accident was last maintained on June 21, and was given a clean bill of health. No brake or steering related problems were noted during the inspection," said Kalai Natarajan, vice president of corporate and marketing communications at SMRT.
SMRT said it is saddened by the incident and is working with SCDF and the police on the case.
- CNA/fa/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Alice Chia
POSTED: 21 Jul 2013 12:04 PM
UPDATED: 21 Jul 2013 8:31 PM
An accident involving a SMRT bus along Dairy Farm Road towards the Bukit Timah Expressway on Sunday morning has left a man dead and two others injured.
SINGAPORE: An accident involving a SMRT bus along Dairy Farm Road towards BKE on Sunday morning has left a man dead and two others injured.
Bus service 700A had flipped over.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for help at 8.57am.
Its officers found a man, who was a passenger, trapped in the bus.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
SCDF said another male passenger and the male driver were injured.
They were sent to National University Hospital, where both have been warded and are in stable condition.
SMRT said that the driver has been with SMRT since January last year and has been driving the route since July 2012.
It also said the driver had a clean service record with no prior accidents or complaints against him.
He had been last at work on an 8.5-hour shift on 20 July and was deployed at 7am on Sunday, having had more than the required eight-hour rest period between his shifts.
"SMRT has a fleet of 1,137 buses, which undergo strict and thorough preventative maintenance checks. These include mandatory LTA inspection repair, as well as predictive and corrective maintenance of components such as braking and steering mechanisms. The bus involved in this morning's accident was last maintained on June 21, and was given a clean bill of health. No brake or steering related problems were noted during the inspection," said Kalai Natarajan, vice president of corporate and marketing communications at SMRT.
SMRT said it is saddened by the incident and is working with SCDF and the police on the case.
- CNA/fa/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, May 20, 2013
SMRT investigating root cause of recent rail crack incidents
SMRT investigating root cause of recent rail crack incidents
POSTED: 20 May 2013 5:44 PM
SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
SINGAPORE: SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
The incidents caused delays for commuters.
SMRT said its preliminary findings revealed that both incidents bore several similarities.
Both rail cracks occurred at rail joints that were welded between old and new rails located on high rails of a curve track.
Both incidents happened on concrete tracks, at locations that were close to the tail wall of the underground stations.
The tail wall refers to the end of the station where the train pulls in.
Both affected rail joints had been welded by the same contractor in June last year and February this year.
SMRT said it will focus on the material, workmanship, stress factors, and welding process in its investigation.
It will send materials used for welding of the two cracked rails for full laboratory tests to determine their content, quality, and condition.
As for workmanship, SMRT will identify, inspect and conduct tests on all rail joints in the system that were welded by the same contractor. This is to determine the integrity of the rail joints.
SMRT will also study the possible stress factors that may have contributed to the rail cracks.
One possible stress could have resulted from a height difference formed between the welded rails.
Additional stress to the rail joints may have been caused by braking forces of passing trains at the tail wall tracks of underground stations.
To ensure that similar incidents do not occur again, SMRT said it will conduct a thorough inspection of all suspected rail joints on the entire network (North-South Line and East-West Line) and will take appropriate remedial actions.
It said this is in addition to its regular patrols and tests carried out on all its tracks to detect rail flaws in order to ensure rail integrity.
SMRT added that train services would not have been allowed to continue if it was assessed that passenger safety may be compromised in any way.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 20 May 2013 5:44 PM
SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
SINGAPORE: SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
The incidents caused delays for commuters.
SMRT said its preliminary findings revealed that both incidents bore several similarities.
Both rail cracks occurred at rail joints that were welded between old and new rails located on high rails of a curve track.
Both incidents happened on concrete tracks, at locations that were close to the tail wall of the underground stations.
The tail wall refers to the end of the station where the train pulls in.
Both affected rail joints had been welded by the same contractor in June last year and February this year.
SMRT said it will focus on the material, workmanship, stress factors, and welding process in its investigation.
It will send materials used for welding of the two cracked rails for full laboratory tests to determine their content, quality, and condition.
As for workmanship, SMRT will identify, inspect and conduct tests on all rail joints in the system that were welded by the same contractor. This is to determine the integrity of the rail joints.
SMRT will also study the possible stress factors that may have contributed to the rail cracks.
One possible stress could have resulted from a height difference formed between the welded rails.
Additional stress to the rail joints may have been caused by braking forces of passing trains at the tail wall tracks of underground stations.
To ensure that similar incidents do not occur again, SMRT said it will conduct a thorough inspection of all suspected rail joints on the entire network (North-South Line and East-West Line) and will take appropriate remedial actions.
It said this is in addition to its regular patrols and tests carried out on all its tracks to detect rail flaws in order to ensure rail integrity.
SMRT added that train services would not have been allowed to continue if it was assessed that passenger safety may be compromised in any way.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, May 6, 2013
Man nabbed over "acid burn" incident on train
Man nabbed over "acid burn" incident on train
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid
POSTED: 06 May 2013 7:12 PM
Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with an incident on May 2 when a nurse was hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on what is believed to be acid on an SMRT train.
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with an incident on May 2 when a nurse was hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on what is believed to be acid on an SMRT train.
The man is believed to be responsible for a case of what police said was a "negligent act causing hurt involving unknown substances" on the seats of public transport.
A police statement released on Monday said officers from Jurong Police Division conducted extensive investigations in an effort to determine who was responsible for the incident.
They recovered key images of the man from the CCTV system.
The suspect was arrested on Sunday.
Investigations are ongoing.
When contacted, relatives of the 24-year-old victim Wan Zahfirah Arshad, who is warded at the Singapore General Hospital, said her condition is stable.
But she will need to undergo a skin graft for burns on her left buttock.
Meanwhile some commuters said they would like train operators and the authorities to step up checks while others said they would be careful before sitting down on seats in trains and at bus stops.
Separately, SMRT said it is in contact with Wan Zahfirah Arshad to ensure that she is recovering well.
It told Channel NewsAsia that passenger safety is its top priority and that it has stepped up security checks on trains and buses.
The checks include a security sweep at the start of every trip at the depots or interchanges.
SMRT said it will work with the police to do the necessary steps to ensure passenger security is not compromised.
It urged passengers to immediately alert staff to any suspicious substance or object spotted on trains and to stay away from it until help arrives.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid
POSTED: 06 May 2013 7:12 PM
Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with an incident on May 2 when a nurse was hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on what is believed to be acid on an SMRT train.
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with an incident on May 2 when a nurse was hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on what is believed to be acid on an SMRT train.
The man is believed to be responsible for a case of what police said was a "negligent act causing hurt involving unknown substances" on the seats of public transport.
A police statement released on Monday said officers from Jurong Police Division conducted extensive investigations in an effort to determine who was responsible for the incident.
They recovered key images of the man from the CCTV system.
The suspect was arrested on Sunday.
Investigations are ongoing.
When contacted, relatives of the 24-year-old victim Wan Zahfirah Arshad, who is warded at the Singapore General Hospital, said her condition is stable.
But she will need to undergo a skin graft for burns on her left buttock.
Meanwhile some commuters said they would like train operators and the authorities to step up checks while others said they would be careful before sitting down on seats in trains and at bus stops.
Separately, SMRT said it is in contact with Wan Zahfirah Arshad to ensure that she is recovering well.
It told Channel NewsAsia that passenger safety is its top priority and that it has stepped up security checks on trains and buses.
The checks include a security sweep at the start of every trip at the depots or interchanges.
SMRT said it will work with the police to do the necessary steps to ensure passenger security is not compromised.
It urged passengers to immediately alert staff to any suspicious substance or object spotted on trains and to stay away from it until help arrives.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Police investigating "acid burn" cases
Police investigating "acid burn" cases
POSTED: 03 May 2013 9:50 PM
Police said they are investigating the recent cases involving unknown substances left on seats in public areas.
SINGAPORE: Police said they are investigating the recent cases involving unknown substances left on seats in public areas.
A nurse was warded on Thursday with a burn injury, after sitting on what is believed to be acid, on an SMRT train.
On April 22, a teenager was burnt after sitting on an unknown substance at a bus stop at Bukit Batok.
Police told Channel NewsAsia they are not ruling out that these two cases could be linked.
They said they are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 03 May 2013 9:50 PM
Police said they are investigating the recent cases involving unknown substances left on seats in public areas.
SINGAPORE: Police said they are investigating the recent cases involving unknown substances left on seats in public areas.
A nurse was warded on Thursday with a burn injury, after sitting on what is believed to be acid, on an SMRT train.
On April 22, a teenager was burnt after sitting on an unknown substance at a bus stop at Bukit Batok.
Police told Channel NewsAsia they are not ruling out that these two cases could be linked.
They said they are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Nurse suffers burn injury after sitting on unknown substance in train
Nurse suffers burn injury after sitting on unknown substance in train
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 02 May 2013 10:54 PM
A nurse has been hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on an unknown substance in an SMRT train.
SINGAPORE: A nurse has been hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on an unknown substance in an SMRT train.
She was on the North-bound train towards Jurong East at around 11am on Thursday when the incident happened.
Twenty-four-year-old Wan Zahfirah Arshad got off the train when a tingling pain on her buttocks became too much to bear.
She then noticed a yellowish substance on her clothes.
It was only when she got home that she noticed that she had suffered burns on her left buttock.
She immediately went to the Singapore General Hospital for treatment.
SMRT has expressed shock at the incident.
It has lodged a police report about the incident and will work closely with the police in their investigations into this matter.
The rail operator also added that it had contacted Ms Wan Zahfirah to ensure she is well taken care of.
Last month, a teenager suffered burns on his thigh after sitting on what could have been acid at a Bukit Batok bus stop.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 02 May 2013 10:54 PM
A nurse has been hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on an unknown substance in an SMRT train.
SINGAPORE: A nurse has been hospitalised with a burn injury after sitting on an unknown substance in an SMRT train.
She was on the North-bound train towards Jurong East at around 11am on Thursday when the incident happened.
Twenty-four-year-old Wan Zahfirah Arshad got off the train when a tingling pain on her buttocks became too much to bear.
She then noticed a yellowish substance on her clothes.
It was only when she got home that she noticed that she had suffered burns on her left buttock.
She immediately went to the Singapore General Hospital for treatment.
SMRT has expressed shock at the incident.
It has lodged a police report about the incident and will work closely with the police in their investigations into this matter.
The rail operator also added that it had contacted Ms Wan Zahfirah to ensure she is well taken care of.
Last month, a teenager suffered burns on his thigh after sitting on what could have been acid at a Bukit Batok bus stop.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Woman's leg caught in platform gap during rush hour
Woman's leg caught in platform gap during rush hour
Madam Ong - who did not want to give her full name - escaped with only bruises after the morning rush-hour incident at Little India station, but believes it could have been worse.
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, March 7, 2013
10-year-old 5-room flat sold for S$945,000
10-year-old 5-room flat sold for S$945,000
Posted: 07 March 2013 1758 hrs
SINGAPORE: More five-room resale flats have been sold above the S$900,000-mark, especially in estates like Redhill, Queenstown, Toa Payoh and Marine Parade.
A 10-year-old flat measuring 1,184 square feet at Block 23 Jalan Membina, near Tiong Bahru MRT station, was sold for S$945,000.
This means that its price of S$800 per square foot is similar to suburban executive condominiums but half the price of private condominiums in the area.
According to the HDB, just in the first two months of this year alone, 10 resale flats were sold for more than S$900,000 each.
And, the Singapore Real Estate Exchange said prices have risen by 5 per cent in the past year.
Senior manager for training, research and consultancy at DWG, Lee Sze Teck, attributed the high prices of these resale flats to them being in "mature estates (where) the BTO supply is limited. Also, because of the high private property prices in these areas."
"We expect the resale market to remain stable, because the government is going to build a lot more BTO flats. We only expect resale flat supply to increase in the second half of 2013," he said.
- CNA/ck/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 07 March 2013 1758 hrs
SINGAPORE: More five-room resale flats have been sold above the S$900,000-mark, especially in estates like Redhill, Queenstown, Toa Payoh and Marine Parade.
A 10-year-old flat measuring 1,184 square feet at Block 23 Jalan Membina, near Tiong Bahru MRT station, was sold for S$945,000.
This means that its price of S$800 per square foot is similar to suburban executive condominiums but half the price of private condominiums in the area.
According to the HDB, just in the first two months of this year alone, 10 resale flats were sold for more than S$900,000 each.
And, the Singapore Real Estate Exchange said prices have risen by 5 per cent in the past year.
Senior manager for training, research and consultancy at DWG, Lee Sze Teck, attributed the high prices of these resale flats to them being in "mature estates (where) the BTO supply is limited. Also, because of the high private property prices in these areas."
"We expect the resale market to remain stable, because the government is going to build a lot more BTO flats. We only expect resale flat supply to increase in the second half of 2013," he said.
- CNA/ck/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video
Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 30 January 2013 1044 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.
They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.
Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.
Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it.
- CNA/ck/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 30 January 2013 1044 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.
They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.
Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.
Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it.
- CNA/ck/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
MOM says term "illegal strike" neither wrong nor prejudicial
MOM says term "illegal strike" neither wrong nor prejudicial
Posted: 17 December 2012 2133 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower has refuted civil society group Function 8's accusations that the use of the term "illegal strike" to describe the actions of SMRT bus drivers in late November is wrong and prejudicial.
The ministry's spokesperson added the "serious accusations" are "entirely baseless".
Four SMRT workers were charged in court last month with instigating the incident, which took place over a pay dispute.
Early this month, another driver was charged in court and sentenced to six weeks' jail after he admitted to taking part in the incident.
In an earlier statement to the media, Function 8 said the workers were "doomed from the start" and called a stop to the use of the term "illegal strike".
The group added the term gives the impression that what the bus drivers had done was "illegal" and that there was indeed a "strike".
It said since the cases have not been determined by the court, it is "grievously wrong and prejudicial" to the bus drivers to label their action as such.
Function 8 also said that the ministry is commenting on a pending case and such comments are sub judice and constitute contempt of court.
It also said repeated claims that the drivers had participated in an "illegal strike" amount to prejudging their case and can only be calculated to influence the decision of the judge.
But MOM said the government, including Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and the Manpower Ministry, has never attempted to prejudice the case.
They added that Part III of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act or CLTPA clearly outlines that strike action taken in respect of essential services such as public transport is deemed illegal, unless 14 days' notice has been given.
It was with that in mind that Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin used the term "illegal strike".
MOM also pointed out that Mr Tan referred to workers participating in the strike in general.
He did not refer to the participation of any particular worker, or to any matter pending before a court of law.
In its statement, Function 8 had also questioned why MOM had revoked the work passes of 29 bus drivers so swiftly.
It also asked why it did not allow them legal representation or give them an opportunity to be heard.
Clarifying the incident, MOM said the 29 bus drivers were provided with an opportunity to be heard in relation to their conduct during the strike.
The ministry said the work permits were only revoked after due consideration by the Controller of Work Passes.
It added there is no requirement for legal representation in such a process, and no request was made in this regard by any of the 29 workers.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 17 December 2012 2133 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower has refuted civil society group Function 8's accusations that the use of the term "illegal strike" to describe the actions of SMRT bus drivers in late November is wrong and prejudicial.
The ministry's spokesperson added the "serious accusations" are "entirely baseless".
Four SMRT workers were charged in court last month with instigating the incident, which took place over a pay dispute.
Early this month, another driver was charged in court and sentenced to six weeks' jail after he admitted to taking part in the incident.
In an earlier statement to the media, Function 8 said the workers were "doomed from the start" and called a stop to the use of the term "illegal strike".
The group added the term gives the impression that what the bus drivers had done was "illegal" and that there was indeed a "strike".
It said since the cases have not been determined by the court, it is "grievously wrong and prejudicial" to the bus drivers to label their action as such.
Function 8 also said that the ministry is commenting on a pending case and such comments are sub judice and constitute contempt of court.
It also said repeated claims that the drivers had participated in an "illegal strike" amount to prejudging their case and can only be calculated to influence the decision of the judge.
But MOM said the government, including Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and the Manpower Ministry, has never attempted to prejudice the case.
They added that Part III of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act or CLTPA clearly outlines that strike action taken in respect of essential services such as public transport is deemed illegal, unless 14 days' notice has been given.
It was with that in mind that Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin used the term "illegal strike".
MOM also pointed out that Mr Tan referred to workers participating in the strike in general.
He did not refer to the participation of any particular worker, or to any matter pending before a court of law.
In its statement, Function 8 had also questioned why MOM had revoked the work passes of 29 bus drivers so swiftly.
It also asked why it did not allow them legal representation or give them an opportunity to be heard.
Clarifying the incident, MOM said the 29 bus drivers were provided with an opportunity to be heard in relation to their conduct during the strike.
The ministry said the work permits were only revoked after due consideration by the Controller of Work Passes.
It added there is no requirement for legal representation in such a process, and no request was made in this regard by any of the 29 workers.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Rate of faulty trains pulled out of service continues to drop: LTA, SMRT
Rate of faulty trains pulled out of service continues to drop: LTA, SMRT
By Hetty Musfirah | Posted: 14 December 2012 2017 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT said the rate of faulty trains pulled out of service dropped to 2.6 (per 100,000 km) in the last six months, from 3.2 last year.
In a joint statement, they said they are on track to meet the 30 percent reduction in withdrawal rate of 2.1 for next year.
From January next year, SMRT will retrofit two North South East West Line (NSEWL) trains with sensors to improve the timely detection of third rail sags.
These displacement sensors can detect abnormalities so that they can be rectified immediately.
LTA added that it has stepped up its audits on the public transport operators' (PTO) maintenance systems and processes even as SMRT adopts more condition monitoring and strengthens predictive maintenance.
To further boost train safety and reliability, LTA and SMRT will engage an independent consultant every three years to review and enhance its asset maintenance.
An independent consultancy study on its asset management framework will also be done and completed in the second quarter of next year.
With regards to improving emergency response, LTA has been conducting random surprise audits at train stations to ensure PTO duty officers are adequately prepared to deal with train service disruptions and are familiar with their incident management roles and responsibilities.
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
By Hetty Musfirah | Posted: 14 December 2012 2017 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT said the rate of faulty trains pulled out of service dropped to 2.6 (per 100,000 km) in the last six months, from 3.2 last year.
In a joint statement, they said they are on track to meet the 30 percent reduction in withdrawal rate of 2.1 for next year.
From January next year, SMRT will retrofit two North South East West Line (NSEWL) trains with sensors to improve the timely detection of third rail sags.
These displacement sensors can detect abnormalities so that they can be rectified immediately.
LTA added that it has stepped up its audits on the public transport operators' (PTO) maintenance systems and processes even as SMRT adopts more condition monitoring and strengthens predictive maintenance.
To further boost train safety and reliability, LTA and SMRT will engage an independent consultant every three years to review and enhance its asset maintenance.
An independent consultancy study on its asset management framework will also be done and completed in the second quarter of next year.
With regards to improving emergency response, LTA has been conducting random surprise audits at train stations to ensure PTO duty officers are adequately prepared to deal with train service disruptions and are familiar with their incident management roles and responsibilities.
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec
Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 12 December 2012 1417 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating an illegal strike in late November were back in court on Wednesday.
Their lawyers told the court that they need more time to take full instructions from their clients as the men were only released on bail on 6 December.
The four lawyers are acting for the former SMRT bus drivers on a pro-bono basis.
Mr Peter Low, whose client He Jun Ling faces two charges, said two of the lawyers involved in the case were approached by a non-governmental organization here.
A pre-trial conference date for 19 December has been set.
But lawyers said this is not an indication that their clients will claim trial.
There are three options on the table at the moment - to claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to reduce the charges.
A pre-trial conference will also ensure that the judge has more time to consider the specific needs of each case and administer directions.
The drivers are out on bail and their passports have been impounded.
The remaining two drivers - Gao Yue Qiang is being represented by Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann while Wang Xian Jie is being represented by Mr Derek Kang from Rodyk and Davidson.
He is out on bail of S$20,000 while the rest are out on bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports have been impounded.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 12 December 2012 1417 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating an illegal strike in late November were back in court on Wednesday.
Their lawyers told the court that they need more time to take full instructions from their clients as the men were only released on bail on 6 December.
The four lawyers are acting for the former SMRT bus drivers on a pro-bono basis.
Mr Peter Low, whose client He Jun Ling faces two charges, said two of the lawyers involved in the case were approached by a non-governmental organization here.
A pre-trial conference date for 19 December has been set.
But lawyers said this is not an indication that their clients will claim trial.
There are three options on the table at the moment - to claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to reduce the charges.
A pre-trial conference will also ensure that the judge has more time to consider the specific needs of each case and administer directions.
The drivers are out on bail and their passports have been impounded.
The remaining two drivers - Gao Yue Qiang is being represented by Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann while Wang Xian Jie is being represented by Mr Derek Kang from Rodyk and Davidson.
He is out on bail of S$20,000 while the rest are out on bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports have been impounded.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Track fault caused delay on North-South Line, says SMRT
Track fault caused delay on North-South Line, says SMRT
Posted: 07 December 2012 2009 hrs
SINGAPORE: A track fault caused a temporary delay in the North-South line on Friday evening.
An SMRT spokesperson said there was a delay for 10 minutes on the North-South line at about 6.15pm.
This was due a track fault at Marina Bay.
SMRT said the fault has been rectified, and service has returned to normal.
The spokesperson said during the delay, announcements were made at stations to inform commuters to expect a longer wait.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 07 December 2012 2009 hrs
SINGAPORE: A track fault caused a temporary delay in the North-South line on Friday evening.
An SMRT spokesperson said there was a delay for 10 minutes on the North-South line at about 6.15pm.
This was due a track fault at Marina Bay.
SMRT said the fault has been rectified, and service has returned to normal.
The spokesperson said during the delay, announcements were made at stations to inform commuters to expect a longer wait.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Analysts downgrade SMRT stock to 'sell'
Analysts downgrade SMRT stock to 'sell'
By Linette Lim | Posted: 06 December 2012 2326 hrs
SINGAPORE: Analysts have been downgrading SMRT's stock from 'buy' to 'sell' over the past year, with the company currently facing zero 'buy' calls and 12 'sell' ratings.
Analysts agree that higher repair and maintenance costs, as well as pressure to deliver better service, has left the company in a tight squeeze.
SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek said that the company's focus on profit was one reason why the transport firm has been facing problems.
He added that the firm will undergo restructuring to help it improve service standards.
In a filing on the Singapore Exchange on December 5, Mr Kuek said SMRT will undergo a restructuring exercise to help it improve service standards.
While this is good news for commuters, analysts say shareholders of SMRT will likely find themselves at the losing end.
"Shareholders are likely to see the cost of the company climb up, and this will hit the profits and ultimately the distribution," said Executive Director of DMG & Partners Research Terence Wong, adding that many investors bought into SMRT because of the company's history of good dividend payouts.
However analysts have also acknowledged that local transport firms battle declining profits and rising costs.
"Margins for bus (transport operators) are actually rather bad. If you look at ComfortDelGro and SMRT, both of their bus operations are losing money. For rail, they are still making money, but their margins have come off from previously," said Andy Sim, vice president of Investment Research at DBS Vickers Securities.
ComfortDelGro has expanded its business beyond Singapore over the years. The company reported that its overseas operations made up 45.8 per cent of its operating profit in 2011.
"ComfortDelGro has always been (looking at) overseas expansion and they have done relatively well, so I believe that will continue. For SMRT, what we'll probably see is that the focus will be domestic, and what the management has said is that they will focus on delivering better service to commuters," said Mr Sim.
SMRT's dividend payout fell 10 per cent on-year in 2012.
Shares of SMRT Corporation have also declined over 7 per cent over the past year, compared to a 20 per cent increase for ComfortDelGro's stock.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Linette Lim | Posted: 06 December 2012 2326 hrs
SINGAPORE: Analysts have been downgrading SMRT's stock from 'buy' to 'sell' over the past year, with the company currently facing zero 'buy' calls and 12 'sell' ratings.
Analysts agree that higher repair and maintenance costs, as well as pressure to deliver better service, has left the company in a tight squeeze.
SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek said that the company's focus on profit was one reason why the transport firm has been facing problems.
He added that the firm will undergo restructuring to help it improve service standards.
In a filing on the Singapore Exchange on December 5, Mr Kuek said SMRT will undergo a restructuring exercise to help it improve service standards.
While this is good news for commuters, analysts say shareholders of SMRT will likely find themselves at the losing end.
"Shareholders are likely to see the cost of the company climb up, and this will hit the profits and ultimately the distribution," said Executive Director of DMG & Partners Research Terence Wong, adding that many investors bought into SMRT because of the company's history of good dividend payouts.
However analysts have also acknowledged that local transport firms battle declining profits and rising costs.
"Margins for bus (transport operators) are actually rather bad. If you look at ComfortDelGro and SMRT, both of their bus operations are losing money. For rail, they are still making money, but their margins have come off from previously," said Andy Sim, vice president of Investment Research at DBS Vickers Securities.
ComfortDelGro has expanded its business beyond Singapore over the years. The company reported that its overseas operations made up 45.8 per cent of its operating profit in 2011.
"ComfortDelGro has always been (looking at) overseas expansion and they have done relatively well, so I believe that will continue. For SMRT, what we'll probably see is that the focus will be domestic, and what the management has said is that they will focus on delivering better service to commuters," said Mr Sim.
SMRT's dividend payout fell 10 per cent on-year in 2012.
Shares of SMRT Corporation have also declined over 7 per cent over the past year, compared to a 20 per cent increase for ComfortDelGro's stock.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Protest by HK trade unions over SMRT strike "highly regrettable", says NTUC chief
Protest by HK trade unions over SMRT strike "highly regrettable", says NTUC chief
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 06 December 2012 1536 hrs
SINGAPORE: Labour chief Lim Swee Say said on Thursday the protest by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) over the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is highly regrettable.
Mr Lim was speaking on the sidelines of the Labour Movement Workplan Seminar on Thursday.
Some 20 members of the HKCTU held a protest outside the Singapore Consulate in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The confederation had said Singapore did not respect the basic rights of workers who go on strike.
It also accused Singapore of not conforming to equal remuneration for its workers.
The union called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated, and to drop the charges against the five who were detained.
Mr Lim, who is Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that it is highly inappropriate for unions of other countries to dictate what another country should do.
Mr Lim said: "We, as a labour movement, NTUC, we will not dictate what Hong Kong, the government or trade unions should do because why? We should respect that each country has its own different circumstances.
"All workers regardless of nationalities must respect the law of the land. I'm sure in Hong Kong, they expect their workers to follow the law of their land as well."
He urged management, union and workers to strengthen communications and pertnerships to ensure that workers are treated fairly.
Mr Lim added that the strike could have been avoided.
He added: "If the management can respect and recognise the role of the union and when the union and management work together with the workers, I think it's a much better way in ensuring we can take care of the interest of the workers, business, and thereby able to serve the public commuters better."
On a separate issue, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, who is chairman of the Migrant Workers' Centre, said more help will be given to the 89 workers who were injured in the Jurong shipyard rig accident.
Besides counselling sessions, they will also be given a free phone set with a prepaid phonecard to enable them to contact their loved ones.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat ;)
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 06 December 2012 1536 hrs
SINGAPORE: Labour chief Lim Swee Say said on Thursday the protest by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) over the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is highly regrettable.
Mr Lim was speaking on the sidelines of the Labour Movement Workplan Seminar on Thursday.
Some 20 members of the HKCTU held a protest outside the Singapore Consulate in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The confederation had said Singapore did not respect the basic rights of workers who go on strike.
It also accused Singapore of not conforming to equal remuneration for its workers.
The union called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated, and to drop the charges against the five who were detained.
Mr Lim, who is Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that it is highly inappropriate for unions of other countries to dictate what another country should do.
Mr Lim said: "We, as a labour movement, NTUC, we will not dictate what Hong Kong, the government or trade unions should do because why? We should respect that each country has its own different circumstances.
"All workers regardless of nationalities must respect the law of the land. I'm sure in Hong Kong, they expect their workers to follow the law of their land as well."
He urged management, union and workers to strengthen communications and pertnerships to ensure that workers are treated fairly.
Mr Lim added that the strike could have been avoided.
He added: "If the management can respect and recognise the role of the union and when the union and management work together with the workers, I think it's a much better way in ensuring we can take care of the interest of the workers, business, and thereby able to serve the public commuters better."
On a separate issue, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, who is chairman of the Migrant Workers' Centre, said more help will be given to the 89 workers who were injured in the Jurong shipyard rig accident.
Besides counselling sessions, they will also be given a free phone set with a prepaid phonecard to enable them to contact their loved ones.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat ;)
Public transport fare review to take into account bus drivers' wage increase
Public transport fare review to take into account bus drivers' wage increase
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 06 December 2012 1626 hrs
SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said on Thursday public transport fare review, due next year, will take into account the need to raise bus drivers' wages.
Mr Lui was speaking for the first time in the aftermath of the illegal strike by bus drivers from China last week, and said public transport cost increases over the years have outpaced fare adjustments.
He was trying out the route of a new service on Thursday under the government's billion-dollar Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Mr Lui said the 34 Chinese bus drivers out of work from SMRT due to the strike make up only about 0.5 per cent of the total pool of 8,000-odd drivers.
Therefore, the impact on bus enhancements should be minimal.
What's of concern, however, is the lingering effect of the strike on recruitment and retention of bus drivers, and Mr Lui said the government is watching this carefully.
Looking at public transport fare adjustments of past years, Mr Lui said while fares have increased by 0.3 per cent, costs in fuel and wages for instance have gone up by 30 per cent.
He said the fare review committee recognises this "significant mismatch".
Mr Lui said: "Any fare adjustment will allow the two operators to have more resources, in time to come, to make further salary adjustments to their drivers. We recognise that the drivers need to be paid more. (The) question is, where is that money coming from?
"So we need to see the relationship between any fare adjustment, wage increase, and any other forms of government support that we might be required to give to the operators."
Mr Lui said it is difficult to wean dependence off foreign bus drivers as Singaporeans may not want to take up the job.
So salary adjustments, at least, will make the occupation more attractive to locals.
He said previous salary adjustments have helped to increase the recruitment of drivers, both local and foreign.
When asked whether SMRT should face any penalty as a result of the strike, Mr Lui said the operator will be evaluated according to quality of service standards.
Impact on bus services as a result of the two-day strike will be taken into account.
Mr Lui said he also spoke to SMRT's Chief Executive Desmond Kuek on the strike, and said the organisation needs to improve in many areas.
He said Mr Kuek needs to be given time to turn things around.
From December 16, two new SBS Transit bus services will start plying under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Service 50, which will start service on December 16, will cover Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Sengkang and Punggol.
Express Service 513 will start on December 17, connecting residents of Tampines to the Central Business District. This service only runs during the morning and evening peak period on weekdays.
In addition, four new bus services will be added to the bus network in the first quarter of 2013.
Three of them come under the government's enhancement programme, while the other is a trunk service by SBS Transit at its own cost.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 06 December 2012 1626 hrs
SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said on Thursday public transport fare review, due next year, will take into account the need to raise bus drivers' wages.
Mr Lui was speaking for the first time in the aftermath of the illegal strike by bus drivers from China last week, and said public transport cost increases over the years have outpaced fare adjustments.
He was trying out the route of a new service on Thursday under the government's billion-dollar Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Mr Lui said the 34 Chinese bus drivers out of work from SMRT due to the strike make up only about 0.5 per cent of the total pool of 8,000-odd drivers.
Therefore, the impact on bus enhancements should be minimal.
What's of concern, however, is the lingering effect of the strike on recruitment and retention of bus drivers, and Mr Lui said the government is watching this carefully.
Looking at public transport fare adjustments of past years, Mr Lui said while fares have increased by 0.3 per cent, costs in fuel and wages for instance have gone up by 30 per cent.
He said the fare review committee recognises this "significant mismatch".
Mr Lui said: "Any fare adjustment will allow the two operators to have more resources, in time to come, to make further salary adjustments to their drivers. We recognise that the drivers need to be paid more. (The) question is, where is that money coming from?
"So we need to see the relationship between any fare adjustment, wage increase, and any other forms of government support that we might be required to give to the operators."
Mr Lui said it is difficult to wean dependence off foreign bus drivers as Singaporeans may not want to take up the job.
So salary adjustments, at least, will make the occupation more attractive to locals.
He said previous salary adjustments have helped to increase the recruitment of drivers, both local and foreign.
When asked whether SMRT should face any penalty as a result of the strike, Mr Lui said the operator will be evaluated according to quality of service standards.
Impact on bus services as a result of the two-day strike will be taken into account.
Mr Lui said he also spoke to SMRT's Chief Executive Desmond Kuek on the strike, and said the organisation needs to improve in many areas.
He said Mr Kuek needs to be given time to turn things around.
From December 16, two new SBS Transit bus services will start plying under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
Service 50, which will start service on December 16, will cover Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Sengkang and Punggol.
Express Service 513 will start on December 17, connecting residents of Tampines to the Central Business District. This service only runs during the morning and evening peak period on weekdays.
In addition, four new bus services will be added to the bus network in the first quarter of 2013.
Three of them come under the government's enhancement programme, while the other is a trunk service by SBS Transit at its own cost.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, December 6, 2012
HK unionists protest outside S'pore consulate over bus strike clampdown
HK unionists protest outside S'pore consulate over bus strike clampdown
By Roland Lim | Posted: 05 December 2012 1809 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's trade union body held a protest at the Singapore Consulate on Wednesday as a show of solidarity with the Chinese mainland bus drivers who held illegal strikes in Singapore on 26 and 27 November.
About 20 members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated and to drop the charges for the five who are detained.
Scuffles broke out between the protesters, building security personnel, and police when protesters were prevented from accessing the 9th floor Consulate office at Admiralty Centre to submit their petition letter.
The protesters were eventually granted access after a short stand-off.
The labour group said that Singapore did not respect international labour standards that allow workers to strike and called for equal remuneration for migrant workers.
SMRT bus drivers from China in strikes on 26 and 27 November protested for pay equal to that of their Malaysian counterparts, and for better housing conditions.
The Singapore government subsequently called the strike an "illegal strike" as 14 days' notice was not given to their employer.
This is mandatory under Singapore law for workers providing an "essential service".
29 drivers were eventually repatriated while five were detained by the police. One has been sentenced to six weeks' jail.
"Chinese workers, being migrant workers, feel aggrieved and may not know all the avenues that are available to them," said Lee Cheuk-Yan, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
"So it is a matter of information for migrant workers, and also a matter for the Singapore government to review the law and support for migrant workers instead of jailing them," he added.
The protesters also called on the Singapore government to amend the law stipulating that workers providing essential services need to give 14 days' advanced notice before striking.
A statement issued by Singapore's National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in response to the protest said that both local and migrant workers in Singapore have a right under Singapore's labour legislation to take industrial action or go on strike.
It said workers can do so if they follow the laws in Singapore.
NTUC said it had conveyed its position to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions on two occasions, once on 30 November before the protest and once on Wednesday afternoon.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Roland Lim | Posted: 05 December 2012 1809 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's trade union body held a protest at the Singapore Consulate on Wednesday as a show of solidarity with the Chinese mainland bus drivers who held illegal strikes in Singapore on 26 and 27 November.
About 20 members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated and to drop the charges for the five who are detained.
Scuffles broke out between the protesters, building security personnel, and police when protesters were prevented from accessing the 9th floor Consulate office at Admiralty Centre to submit their petition letter.
The protesters were eventually granted access after a short stand-off.
The labour group said that Singapore did not respect international labour standards that allow workers to strike and called for equal remuneration for migrant workers.
SMRT bus drivers from China in strikes on 26 and 27 November protested for pay equal to that of their Malaysian counterparts, and for better housing conditions.
The Singapore government subsequently called the strike an "illegal strike" as 14 days' notice was not given to their employer.
This is mandatory under Singapore law for workers providing an "essential service".
29 drivers were eventually repatriated while five were detained by the police. One has been sentenced to six weeks' jail.
"Chinese workers, being migrant workers, feel aggrieved and may not know all the avenues that are available to them," said Lee Cheuk-Yan, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
"So it is a matter of information for migrant workers, and also a matter for the Singapore government to review the law and support for migrant workers instead of jailing them," he added.
The protesters also called on the Singapore government to amend the law stipulating that workers providing essential services need to give 14 days' advanced notice before striking.
A statement issued by Singapore's National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in response to the protest said that both local and migrant workers in Singapore have a right under Singapore's labour legislation to take industrial action or go on strike.
It said workers can do so if they follow the laws in Singapore.
NTUC said it had conveyed its position to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions on two occasions, once on 30 November before the protest and once on Wednesday afternoon.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
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