Minister of State for Health and Manpower Amy Khor called on employers to place more importance on good management and HR practices.
In doing so, workers are more likely to carry out their duties responsibly, she said on the sidelines of a community event at Hong Kah Primary School.
Dr Khor added that the strike by SMRT bus drivers last week should be a “wake-up call” for all employers not to take industrial harmony for granted.
REACH, the Government’s feedback unit for engaging and connecting with citizens, found that nearly eight in 10 Singaporeans agreed that the bus drivers should be punished for conducting an illegal strike and breaking the law. Nearly eight in 10 also agreed that their employer SMRT should also bear responsibility for the incident.
Dr Khor, who is also the chairman of REACH, said that the illegal strike was a "serious matter” and therefore needed feedback from the public.
Feedback collected from the poll also included suggestions from Singaporeans on how to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
In a report by Channel News Asia, suggestions included setting up formal channels to air grievances and inviting foreign workers to attend classes that will help them better understand the culture, value system, and employment practices in Singapore.
"Companies need to ensure that the lines of communication remain open, so that grievances can be floated up to management and they can take prompt action. Labour and employment grievances should not be left to fester for a period of time," Dr Khor was quoted as saying.
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