I would rather forgo my favourite zi char dishes than allow more foreign workers to come to Singapore to compete with us for jobs.

Please don't get me wrong. I welcome foreign talent to compete with Singaporeans and keep us on our toes.

However, Singapore will face with a major social demographic issue if employers find every excuse to bring in more foreign workers.

Owners should be more innovative in finding ways to attract employees to work in zi char stalls.

They could learn a few tricks from McDonald's on how to recruit and keep employees happy.

If zi char owners want to survive in their trade, they have no choice but to come up with new ideas and ways to run their stalls.

I am not an expert in running a business but as employees, whether in an air-conditioned office or a zi char stall, we appreciate employers who really care for our welfare - even if it is just a simple 'thank you' for a hard day's work.

Sharon Lee Soh Leng (Ms)