We thank Madam Grace Chua for her kind understanding of bus drivers’ working conditions and speaking up for them. (“Focus on bus drivers’ welfare”, The Sunday Times, 4 March). The National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) would like to add our views to the matter.
The needs of bus drivers vary. When one of the public transport operators changed the work schedule for bus drivers to a 5-day workweek earlier, NTWU received feedback from many drivers that they preferred to work 6 days, so that they could earn overtime pay. There were of course others, especially the experienced drivers whose children have grown up and are doing well and supporting their parents, were contented with the 5-day workweek.
NTWU have engaged the public transport operators and entry basic salaries have been raised. For experienced drivers, their maximum salaries have also been raised so that they can enjoy yearly salary increments. Average take home income, after taking into account various allowances, ranges between $1,800 to $1,900 monthly.
We understand that there are Singaporeans who may be keen to join the industry but do not have a Class 3 driving qualification. The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) has recently implemented such a scheme to train interested Singaporeans for Class 3 driving qualification so that they can go on to be trained to join the public transport industry. Those who are interested can contact e2i at 6474 0606.
Ultimately, it takes a combination of better pay, better terms, proper skills and public appreciation and recognition, to encourage more Singaporeans to enter the profession and raise service standards for commuters.
Tan Boon Toy
Deputy Executive Secretary
National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU)
