I've always refrained myself from writing on such sensitive subjects on a public portal, for fear that I'll get slammed by on-line extremists. But the recent labour strike by the bus drivers in Singapore did ramble my patriotism. Although not a Singaporean by blood, I have every Singaporean cell in me since 7 years old. After coming to France, I realised that living in Singapore is a luxury. True, we have our little quirks, but I really appreciate the order and system that we have in place.
Public transport strikes are so rampant here in France, that the French could call this their national sport. My French teacher told us that at least twice a year during her school days, she'll have to walk 1 hr from home to school for several days a week because it is the season of RER strikes. Just February this year, Air France had a strike to protest against the new policy to inform authorities 2 days ahead of intended strikes. Thanks to this new policy, commuters can now know in advance that they have to take alternative routes to their destinations should there be a strike on essential services.
I'm very glad that Singapore needs 14 days advance notice for such strikes, and I'm proud that the government did not waver from this threat, and stood by our rules. It is common sense that you abide by the house rules when you stay in somebody else's house. If they have exhausted all avenues through the company, there are other ways for the bus drivers to voice their grievances rather than to stage a strike, let alone an illegal one. Ask any Singaporean on the streets, and they'll find the common avenues that work magic, of course if their claims are justified. So really, did the human rights activists get their facts right before protesting for the release of the drivers?
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