PM Lee: Government will not tolerate illegal industrial action

The Government will not tolerate illegal industrial action or any party that tries to undermine industrial harmony, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Wednesday.

In the first May Day Rally after the illegal strike involving SMRT bus drivers from China last year, Mr Lee called on unions, employers and workers to do their part to maintain good tripartite relations.

When problems arise, they should take a conciliatory attitude and avoid confrontation that will escalate problems, Mr Lee said in his Chinese speech.

Employers should treat workers well and respect reasonable requests, while workers should consider if their request is reasonable and use appropriate channels to resolve any problems.

Unions should be proactive in resolving conflicts, and while fighting for their members, also consider their long term interests, he said.

Mr Lee noted that Singapore's good tripartite ties are hard-earned and all parties should work to strengthen it.

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