200 SMRT bus drivers refuse to go to work over pay issue

[sleepy]

I wonder what’s the deciding factor to choose those 29 to deport, out of 171 drivers?

[octoberbaby]

better don’t take bus these few days. In case any bitterness in some china reckless rude incompetent drivers.


HR simply conveniently blindly employing these people without even going thru 2-3 interviews.

[janet88]

sleepy:

I wonder what's the deciding factor to choose those 29 to deport, out of 171 drivers?

I was stunned to read news...29 to be deported, 5th one charged. This sends a strong statement. Try and be funny...this is the consequence.
Singapore is governed by law. It is sad these Chinese drivers went on strike over salary issue and caused inconvenience to commuters. Could they have used a more professional step?

Now I really hope China embassy understands the stand taken and agree to it.

[pirate]

janet_lee88:

Singapore is governed by law. It is sad these Chinese drivers went on strike over salary issue and caused inconvenience to commuters. Could they have used a more professional step?

If these drivers were knowledgeable enough to be able to read up on Singapore labour laws, they wouldn't be bus drivers. They would be union officers, HR executives or even lawyers. It is sad these Chinese drivers were made to feel by management that they had no choice but to strike in order to have their grievances heard.

[janet88]

Do these bus drivers know what they signed before coming? Did anyone explain clauses to them? Did trouble arise when they compared pay with the Malaysian drivers?


Though their strike was done calmly and not on the streets, it is not acceptable in Singapore context. We have enough of trains breaking down…now drivers as well. So taking trains or bus is better?

[phtthp]

janet_lee88:

sleepy:

I wonder what's the deciding factor to choose those 29 to deport, out of 171 drivers?

I was stunned to read news...29 to be deported, 5th one charged. This sends a strong statement. Try and be funny...this is the consequence.
Singapore is governed by law. It is sad these Chinese drivers went on strike over salary issue and caused inconvenience to commuters. Could they have used a more professional step?

Now I really hope China embassy understands the stand taken and agree to it.

high time for China embassy to (educate all future potential workers + existing 29 drivers) from China coming into SG to work who are ignorant about SG law and system ... educate them on SG labor law rules.

High time for China embassy to teach her own China people that .... NO Strike permitted in SG.

If anyone want to Strike, be prepared to pack up bags and go home! She should educate / teach their own people - SG is different from their own country, even before China workers step on SG soil / land to work. Every country has her own laws. When you step into SG - follow SG Rules and Regulation. Do as the Romans do! Be prepared to face all consequences. Do not treat SG, as if it's part of their own China. SG is Singapore, not China.

so far, seem like China embassy had not educated her people. Otherwise, this SMRT strike incident won't have happened ! All along, our country had peace for many years. When was the last time we heard about an SMRT strike in Singapore ?

however, this incident also reflected the inefficiency of SMRT top management, in handling overseas workers welfare, salary issue, etc. Reporting bed bug etc. is bad ! Otherwise, the issue wouldn't have blown up !

Of course, our country cannot allow any Strike to go through successfully.
Just imagine - if today Strike by those 5 China guys able to succeed - there'll come another time, another day in future where similar thing happen, for whatever reason(s). This time is over salary. Next time goodness know what reason(s) they put up a strike. Then our bus system become like a rolla costa -
suka suka today the drivers want to drive, then public workers find an SMRT bus to board. But tomorrow if drivers don't want / refuse to drive - then workers stranded in public; because there's no SMRT bus to board.

[phtthp]

janet_lee88:

Do these bus drivers know what they signed before coming? Did anyone explain clauses to them? Did trouble arise when they compared pay with the Malaysian drivers?


Though their strike was done calmly and not on the streets, it is not acceptable in Singapore context. We have enough of trains breaking down...now drivers as well. So taking trains or bus is better?

some of the drivers may have poor comannd of English. They may not have understood clearly what they'd signed. Another possibility can also be ... not sure if SMRT management had done their part in explaining every rule and regulation, and law on the paper, before they sign off.

There are many foreigners now working in SG, if you look around you. The flood gate is open to foreign workers. This STRIKE cannot go through. If ever it go through, it'll give rise to more headache in future. :slapshead: Because another potential Strike in other sectors in future (not just Transport sector) may arise, by other foreign nationality. (not just China workers in SG)

[kamom]

What I don’t understand…

Those who were repatriated were given their bonus (reported in 10pm News) and were bought winter clothings by SMRT. Buying them winter clothings may be out of kindness on SMRT part but to give them bonus? I mean they broke the country’s law. For us Singaporeans, without breaking laws, when we leave any company by year end before bonus time, they will be forfeited.

I hope this strike sent a very strong signal to all companies with sleeping HR dept. I am very sure that SMRT is not the only one with a passive HR.

[phtthp]

kamom:

What I don't understand...

Those who were repatriated were given their bonus (reported in 10pm News) and were bought winter clothings by SMRT. Buying them winter clothings may be out of kindness on SMRT part but to give them bonus? I mean they broke the country's law. For us Singaporeans, without breaking laws, when we leave any company by year end before bonus time, they will be forfeited.

I hope this strike sent a very strong signal to all companies with sleeping HR dept. I am very sure that SMRT is not the only one with a passive HR.

maybe give them bonus, perhaps out of compassion.

it may be some time before these repatriated China workers find job again, back in their own country.

after 25 Dec Christmas (another 2 weeks time), soon will come Chinese New Year 2013.
They also need some pocket $ - to prepare for CNY in China like give their children ang pow, buy a new set of clothes, a new pair of shoes for CNY, buy sweets, candies, groundnuts, goodies.

[Precious2.012911lee]

SMRT does not need not need to pay the pro-rated bonus. This move is really out of goodwill. As I know, some MNCs also do that.