§ 115. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the recent strike in Singapore.
Mr. Creech JonesOn 21st January, seven unions, under Indian leadership, representing a section of municipal employees outside the Government and 221W Municipal Labour Union, went on strike, after twice ignoring offers to negotiate made by the President of the Singapore Municipal Commissioners. Sixteen of the 20 demands made by the unions had already been considered in joint conferences and agreement reached. The unsettled demands were for (1) 100 per cent. increase in basic wages; (2) double pay for Sunday work, Sunday to be a holiday with pay, and 3½ years' back pay in this respect; (3) maternity benefits for wives of labourers; and (4) free coffin and funeral transport. The Commissioner for Labour is trying to restart negotiations. No members of the Government and Municipal Labour Union are affected and there has been no strike in the power station or gas works.