// As I had foreseen.
On Thursday, four bus drivers were charged with instigating fellow bus drivers to take part in the strike that took place earlier this week.
In a statement, the Manpower Ministry (MOM) and the Home Affairs Ministry (MHA) said that a summons was obtained on Saturday for the fifth person to be charged.
Authorities said he is considered a hostile and aggressive participant in the illegal strike.
If convicted, the five face a maximum jail term of 12 months and fine of up to S$2,000 each.
Earlier this week, more than 100 SMRT bus drivers from China took part in an illegal strike as they were unhappy over their salaries and housing conditions.
In addition, 29 SMRT bus drivers who took part in the illegal strike are now in custody. Their work permits have been revoked and they will be repatriated.
These 29 bus drivers were either absent from work on either or both days of the strike.
The authorities said more than 150 bus drivers who were involved but returned to work when they realised that it was an illegal strike, will be issued warnings.
No further action will be taken against them and they will be allowed to work here as long as they abide by Singapore laws.
Barring any new development, the authorities said they do not expect further arrests or repatriations related to the illegal strike.
The authorities said that the strike was planned and premeditated and it disrupted Singapore's public transport which is an essential service and posed a threat to public order.
The authorities added that while the bus drivers may have had grievances, they should have raised the matter through legal and proper means.
Speaking at a news conference, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said that the government has acted in deliberate and measured way as it was important to preserve Singapore's industrial harmony.
He added that Singapore laws must be upheld regardless of nationality.
Mr Tan said lessons can be drawn from this episode and that SMRT should have better handled the matter.
Also at the news conference, Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said given that 29 bus drivers will be repatriated, services will be affected slightly.
All services will continue but commuters can expect to wait slightly longer on some routes.
- CNA/ck
