Ex—SMRT bus drivers to decide if they want to go on trial

SINGAPORE: The four ex—SMRT bus drivers from China who had been charged in court for their roles in an illegal strike at a Woodlands Workers’ dormitory have one week to decide if they want to go on trial.

The trial dates are expected to be set on February 8.

He Jun Ling, 32, Gao Yue Qiang, 32, Liu Xiangying, 33, and Wang Xian Jie, 39, were arrested by the police in November 2012 for inciting and participating in an illegal strike.

Speaking to the media after a pre—trial conference on Friday, He’s lawyer said they received 200 pages worth of online chat material among about 100 bus drivers only last week.

He said while they are in the midst of translating the material, it looks impossible to finish doing so by February 8.

It is understood that Gao has discharged his lawyer, Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann.

The reason is not known.

This leaves him one week to find another lawyer to defend him.

Channel NewsAsia understands that all four men are inclined to claim trial.

A total of 171 SMRT bus drivers had failed to report for duty on November 26 last year in a protest over pay and living conditions.

Eighty—eight of them stayed away from work the next day.

— CNA/fa