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

[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.

[phtthp]

buds:

Rules of professionalism.


1. Never discuss pay with colleagues.
2. Never discuss pay rise with colleagues.
3. Just follow law, not... follow lor.

True.
colleagues are always ... rival.

if ever one gets promoted -
you don't know who amongst your colleagues, is jealous of your promotion.

[janet88]

Precious2.lee:

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.

SMRT doesn't have to give them all these...it's to make China embassy happy, not to give these troublemakers face.

[sleepy]

janet_lee88:

Precious2.lee:

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.

SMRT doesn't have to give them all these...it's to make China embassy happy, not to give these troublemakers face.

Yes goodwill... some MNCs do that, if employees served proper notice and leave on amicable terms.

Here, we have to look at the circumstance - they are being deported. Theoretically, this is supposed to be a sort of 'punishment' and as a 'warning' to all future potential participants. So why the mixed signals from SMRT :scratchhead: SMRT effectively weaken the stern message that government is trying to send across :slapshead:

[janet88]

:? totally contradictory...if they had worked well, then it's 好来好去...but these jokers refused to work and now 29 will be deported and 5 charged in court...read from news that the 5th man was aggressive. is there a need for bonus as mentioned?

[php]

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)

the contract was in Chinese...

[janet88]

if the contract was in chinese, then surely the chinese drivers would be able to read clauses. they are provided with accomodation and transport everyday…it’s ridiculous to compare with malaysians who have to ride motorbikes home after a long tiring day…根本不可以比.

[Mawar]

It is human nature to compare and get green eyed.


In this case, the emotions ran high. They were banding together and adopting the They vs Us psyche. They had to be united and stay loyal to their comrades. This is the way they get things done back home. Make as much noise as they could, band together, let emotions hit a high and hope the other party gives in. They thought they were fighting for a cause to save their face and racial pride.