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

[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.

[iRabbit]

C’mon guys. Life’s not binary, there’s give and take. Paying the bonus will allow both sides to back down gracefully. Nothing good will come out if we push someone - superpower or otherwise - into a corner.


Remember Michael Fay’s case. Even though the punishment was eventually melted, we did reduce the caning from 6 to 4 due to immense pressure iirc.

[Mawar]

I am all for the tough stance taken. No one is above the law. And no one holds us random by their actions. Let this be made known in the mainstream and social media. We welcome you but please respect our rule of law.


I am also happy with the compassionate bonus and winter coat given to repatriated workers. We may be harsh but we are kind.

I am so proud to be Singaporean when I read the papers this morning!!

[iRabbit]

I don’t know about you guys but once in a blue moon, I’ll be late to pay my credit bills and then I’ll go "hangle" the poor CSO to waive the late fee penalty. In life if we desire understanding and kindness from others, surely we should do the same.


In this case, the punishment dished out though moderated, is sufficiently deterrent to prevent similar case from reoccurring in the near term.

[janet88]

FQW:

In this case, the punishment dished out though moderated, is sufficiently deterrent to prevent similar case from reoccurring in the near term.

Punishment has been meted out...sending the 29 back and charging the other 5. This should prevent similar cases from happening again, hopefully.

[bupashu]

phtthp:

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 ?

do you seriously expect China Embassy in Singapore to inform them ?

do you expect Singapore embassies overseas to educate you on each country you are visiting ?

duh !

[bupashu]

phtthp:

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.

surely there is a Chinese version of the contract! they won't sign blindly in English

[bupashu]

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.

the so-called 'bonus' is no bonus. it is contractual ex-gratia payment

[bupashu]

janet_lee88:

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.

just the same as some kiasuparents comparing school facilities, comparing children's grades and want to get better, and complaining about schools and teachers different from others

same mind set, different items

same attitude, different nationalities

the pot telling the kettle : why u so black ah ?

[iRabbit]

bupashu:

janet_lee88:

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.

just the same as some kiasuparents comparing school facilities, comparing children's grades and want to get better, and complaining about schools and teachers different from others

same mind set, different items

same attitude, different nationalities

the pot telling the kettle : why u so black ah ?

That certainly put the mirror firmly in front of us, hahaha.