SDP criticises jailing of SMRT bus driver
THE jailing of an SMRT bus driver "solves nothing", opposition Singapore Democratic Party said yesterday in a sharp criticism of the actions taken by the authorities against those behind the strike.
It warned that labour relations and worker discontent would worsen as long as the Government continued to rely on cheap foreign labour to maintain economic growth.
"Not only will workers be exploited, diplomatic relations with countries of the workers will also be adversely affected," its secretary-general, Dr Chee Soon Juan, said in a media release.
He said the SDP would continue to fight for Singaporeans' priority for jobs but also called for foreign workers not to be exploited.
It was the second statement issued by the opposition party over the two-day strike by SMRT bus drivers.
Last week, it criticised the Government for "dismantling" Singaporean workers' rights and attributed the strike to underlying problems.
Yesterday, it pushed for its idea for a "Singaporeans First Policy" to be implemented. Among other things, this calls for businesses to show why they needed to hire foreign workers, retrench locals only as a last resort and adhere to a minimum wage law.
"The SDP's proposals are forward-looking and much needed for Singapore," the party said. It added that details of the policy will be presented in a population and immigration paper early next year.
Home, The Straits Times, Wednesday, December 5 2012, Pg B7
"it solves nothing" . I suppose it is not meant to solve anything except to exert their power and authority to people who are against them. That is the way the govt works in this small island. Despotic!
why bother. its only to punish when people break the law. why not like that. tell cheena workers to vandlaise CSJ's car in the process of thi strike. then tell gahmen dont jail them or fine them. see how SDP will respond.