STRIKES

Mr William Tan asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare if he will give details of strikes which remain unsettled.

Mr Lim Yew Hock: On the 3rd of April there were still 19 strikes which had not been settled. In some cases the employers claim that they have been able to carry on business as usual with those workers who are not on strike, and in some cases with new workers and with strikers who have since returned. Sir, we have done all we could to bring about an amicable settlement of the 19 strikes that are still left outstanding. Sir, it is undesirable to reveal the state of the present negotiations between both parties. It will not only prejudice future negotiations, but it will reveal the intentions of both parties and this would not help to bring about an amicable settlement of the outstanding strikes.