Much talk has been going around regarding the strike PRC drivers went on a few days ago. It is a first in many years for our Singapore society, obviously stirring up quite a storm in our supposedly-peaceful society.
Just wanted to pen down some thoughts I have, but I am of course no social analyst, but personally I do feel for the PRC drivers. It was said that lines of communications are open, perhaps in formality, but honestly, where and how can these drivers fend for their rights?
这些人人生地不熟，离乡背井来到一个陌生的地方工作，对这里的制度和系统不熟悉。说实在的，他们到底能找谁去帮他们争取福利，或是摆脱不平等的待遇？我自己认识一些在新的外籍人士，特别是劳工阶级的，我常感觉他们处于被剥削的状态，但却投报无门。
I have been reading some articles, and i do agree with many of them that say these workers have little bargaining power. For these people, it is almost seen as a “privilege” to be able to come to Singapore and work here. If you are not happy with what you are getting, you can jolly well leave this job and go somewhere else.
So much more is needed to be done for these labour workers in Singapore, really.
