More than a hundred bus drivers in Singapore refused to go to work on Monday, and instead gathered at their dormitory in Woodlands.
The drivers, who are Chinese nationals, were unhappy about the recent pay increase that Malaysian drivers received, reported Chinese newspaper Shin Min Daily News. Malaysian drivers received a $275 increment and a month’s bonus, while Chinese nationals were paid $75 more without any bonus.
The exact number of bus drivers who were on strike is not confirmed. The Straits Times reported that there were about 200 bus drivers assembled, while a spokesman for SMRT said there were only 102.
SMRT HR executive was called in to resolve the issue but the situation did not go anywhere. This led to the calling of police with their riot vans.
An SMRT spokesperson said last night that talks between management and drivers ended at about 6pm, and that the drivers will be returning to work the next day.
According to the workers involved, SMRT said that the issue will be concluded in about one week.
Update:
A report from Today said that 60 out of the 102 SMRT drivers failed to show up for work on Tuesday.
According to tweets from Today, police are at the Woodlands dorm for SMRT drivers.
The tweets also quoted an SMRT source which said that no arrests have been made, but those who do not turn up for work on Tuesday will be sacked.
A private ambulance, believed to have been engaged by SMRT, was also on hand to check on drivers who claimed they were sick.
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