Yesterday Channel 8 news bulletin reported 102 SMRT PRC bus drivers protested over pay issue. They went on strike after realizing that their Malaysian counterparts received larger increments and bonus payouts. They also complained of poor living conditions in their dormitories. It was also reported that SMRT has previously revised their pay a few months ago but at the same time, adjusted their working shifts to make it difficult for them to claim more shift allowances.
This episode of wage protest by PRC bus drivers is not only bad publicity for SMRT, but also tarnished the reputation of Singapore as a model city to live and work in. After all, wage strikes are not common in Singapore and are viewed seriously by the government. The last wage dispute I know of was by SIA pilots several years ago. Back then, our former Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew stepped in and intervened in the negotation with the pilots' union. This time round, the government did not intervene but MOM is monitoring the situation closely.
I hope the issue can be resolved amicably and swiftly as it concerns the functioning of public transport. If the Chinese bus drivers think they can get away by staging a public protest, then they are wrong. This is Singapore, a country governed by law and order. This is not like China where you can stage factory protests. If the Chinese bus drivers are not happy with their wages, they should go through the proper channels within their company (HR department or management talks). They should not have staged the public protest as it will not solve the issue at all.
One key lesson that all Singapore employer should take note from this incident is that employing cheap foreign labour is not going to be a sustainable model. Sooner or later, because of rising living standards and cost of living, foreign workers would surely demand salary hikes.
Magically yours
This episode of wage protest by PRC bus drivers is not only bad publicity for SMRT, but also tarnished the reputation of Singapore as a model city to live and work in. After all, wage strikes are not common in Singapore and are viewed seriously by the government. The last wage dispute I know of was by SIA pilots several years ago. Back then, our former Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew stepped in and intervened in the negotation with the pilots' union. This time round, the government did not intervene but MOM is monitoring the situation closely.
I hope the issue can be resolved amicably and swiftly as it concerns the functioning of public transport. If the Chinese bus drivers think they can get away by staging a public protest, then they are wrong. This is Singapore, a country governed by law and order. This is not like China where you can stage factory protests. If the Chinese bus drivers are not happy with their wages, they should go through the proper channels within their company (HR department or management talks). They should not have staged the public protest as it will not solve the issue at all.
One key lesson that all Singapore employer should take note from this incident is that employing cheap foreign labour is not going to be a sustainable model. Sooner or later, because of rising living standards and cost of living, foreign workers would surely demand salary hikes.
Magically yours
In China, you either protest or commit suicide to bring attention to your grievances like at Foxcon.
ReplyDeleteIn Singapore, you can only go jump....(high rise, mrt tracks, Bedok reservoir...)
DeleteYour are just simply regurgitating the Govt's view, word for word. If the proper channels were effective, who would risk the penalties to stage a strike?
ReplyDeleteDon't you think the workers would have aired their unhappiness to their superiors before?
I think SMRT should take most reponsiblity for this bloody mess. So what if the Govt is the major shareholder? As you said, we must uphold the law, and justice.
We must uphold the law, yes and also justice and EQUALITY
ReplyDeleteYes, we have justice but no EQUALITY. Singapore Ministers get their dignities cut and still cling on to their jobs while PRC bus drivers get a rise and go on wild cat strike!
ReplyDelete