Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has stressed the importance of tripartism in the country.
Speaking for the first time on the illegal strike by the bus drivers from China last year, Mr Lee said the government “will not tolerate illegal action or any party undermining industrial harmony”.
Mr Lee said Singapore cannot have a strong economy without a strong labour movement and noted that while the fundamental role of unions is to protect workers, workers’ demands should be reasonable.
Both sides should strive for an equitable outcome if disputes do arise, he added.
Mr Lee said the strike was a timely reminder of the importance of tripartism and he called on all parties to strengthen mutual trust.
He said: “Doesn’t matter how things happen overseas, you may have strikes, you may have riots, you may have demonstrations when you have unhappiness. In Singapore, if there’s a problem, let us find out early. Let’s talk about it, let’s nip it in the bud, resolve it harmoniously and if necessary through arbitration. Let’s do it in a mature, adult way, which is constructive and helps us to move forward together.”
Source: CHANNEL NEWSASIA