67 of 102 SMRT bus drivers involved in salary dispute did not report for work again

Half of the bus drivers from China who were involved in a dispute over salaries on Monday did not show up for work on Tuesday morning (27 Nov). 

SMRT said 67 of the 102 drivers who refused to work on Monday did not report for work again. 

It said some of them have valid medical reasons. 

The 67 drivers who were absent are still going though medical checkups to establish that they have valid reasons for being absent from work. 

It's understood that a mobile clinic is at their dormitory in Woodlands to conduct the medical checkups.

Executive Secretary of the National Transport Workers Union (NTWU), Mr Ong Chin Ang, told reporters that unionists have spoken to the drivers and advised them on the laws in Singapore. 

He said unionists have also advised them to return to work to avoid causing inconvenience to the commuting public.

He added that the union would be able to extend more help to them if they join the union as members. 

SMRT said some bus services may have been affected by the absence of the drivers. 

It has activated other drivers to take over.

SMRT said it continues to keep its communications open with the drivers and is working with the relevant authorities to resolve the matter in an amicable way. 

MediaCorp understands that SMRT has yet to begin talks with the drivers.