STRIKES AND WORK STOPPAGES FROM 1-1-68 TO 31-10-68

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour the number of (i) strikes, and (ii) work stoppages, during the period 1st January to 31st October, 1968.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, during the period 1st January to 31st October, 1968, there were only four strikes involving a total of 172 employees and a loss of 5,299 man-days. There were no other work stoppages during this period.

Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah): Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour state what was the reason for the fewer strikes during this period?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: I think the hon. Member should know. Anyway, I think it is generally accepted that the employer/employee relationship was and is very good.

Mr Ng Yeow Chong: Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour state how many strikes have taken place after the enforcement of the Employment Act?

Mr Speaker: Can you give that information now, Mr Sia?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: I do not think I am able off-hand to give the number. But if the hon. Member will put it down as a question, it will be answered.

Mr Ho See Beng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to find out from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour whether it is because of the arbitrary power that the Government has given to the employer to dismiss workers, or whether it is really due to the Employment Act that the relationship between the employer and the employee has improved.

Mr Sia Kah Hui: I think the conciliatory machinery in the Ministry of Labour does its work well and, therefore, there is no need for any strike to take place.

Mr Ho See Beng: If that is the case, does the Parliamentary Secretary presume that this good relationship will continue in the future? If it does, is there any possibility of abolishing the two Industrial Arbitration Courts so that a lot of money will be saved for the Government?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: Mr Speaker, Sir, human nature is such that there will be cases where the Ministry of Labour cannot -

Mr Ho See Beng: Carry on.

Mr Sia Kah Hui: No, I would not use those words. I think there will be cases where the Ministry of Labour cannot get both sides to agree. And dealing with such cases is surely the purpose of the Industrial Arbitration Courts.