Singapore (AsiaNews) - Singapore is planning to deport 29 Chinese bus drivers because they took part in the city-state's first strike since the 1980s. The authorities are also investigating five Chinese nationals who, with a group of 171 drivers, asked for better wages and living conditions. Beijing, which does not allow any independent trade union activity on its territory, protested against the decision, calling on Singapore to respect "workers' rights".
On 26 November, 171 drivers stopped working and refused to leave their dormitories to report for work. Chinese drivers have complained about their living conditions and that they are paid less than Malaysian drivers.
The transport firm SMRT that employs them has turned to foreign workers for lack of local manpower. A SMRT spokesman said 22 per cent of its 2,030 bus drivers were from China, another 22 per cent from Malaysia and the rest are Singaporean citizens and permanent residents.
Strikes are illegal in Singapore for workers in "essential services" such as transport unless they give 14 days' prior notice and comply with other requirements.
The last strike dates back to 1986. Since then, stricter laws have been introduced.
Beijing has protested against the decision. However, in China only Communist-controlled nation-wide trade unions exist. Workers who protest are crushed systematically.
Beijing has called on Singapore to review its decision and respect the workers' legal rights.
"Foreign nationals should abide by the laws of their host countries. Singaporeans who work and live overseas are also expected to do so," said Singapore Manpower Minister, Tan Chuan-jin.
Five drivers sent to trial are in the worse situation. They are accused of inciting fellow workers to strike. If found guilty, they could get up to a year in jail and a fine worth two months of salary.
China's Embassy in Singapore is "very concerned" and will take care of the legal aspects of the situation.