8 SMRT Employees Fired & Some Might Face Legal Actions. Here’s What You Should Know


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Remember that SMRT falsification incident?

It’s totally fine if you don’t; I don’t either. Which is why we need a little refresher.

Should you be unwilling to click on that link, or experiencing some form of clickophobia, here’s a quick synopsis of what happened:

On 7 October 2017, a stretch of the North-South Line tunnel flooded and train services were disrupted for 20 hours.

It was later discovered that the flood had been caused by an improperly maintained water pump system: SMRT employees have been falsifying maintenance records for nearly half a year at Bishan MRT station. The system is supposed to be serviced once every quarter.

After the revelation, 13 SMRT staff were held accountable, but it wasn’t until yesterday (27 November) that the company revealed their measures.

Consequences

According to The New Paper, eight were unceremoniously shown the door, two went out of the door on their own accord while the remaining three were subjected to undisclosed disciplinary actions.

Those fired comprised members of the work team who had falsified pump maintenance records and the manager and senior executive who were responsible for making sure that pump maintenance was being carried out. One senior executive, two managers and five technical staff made up the numbers.

Incidentally, the two men who resigned did so soon after the train tunnels flooded.

There might be legal actions involved

It seems that being fired might not be the most troubling issue, as vice-president Tay Tien Seng and senior manager Ivan Kok may face even more dire circumstances.

“As they are no longer with the company, SMRT reserves its right to pursue legal action against them as may be appropriate,” SMRT said.

Three other management staff, including a vice-president, have also been disciplined “according to our internal disciplinary framework for failing to exercise the due care and diligence expected of them in relation to the maintenance of the pumps,” said SMRT.

The vice-president is believed to be Mr Ng Tek Poo, who has been demoted. The other two are believed to be members of senior management.

In reply to SMRT’s measures, the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) said yesterday that it “does not condone any action or inaction by workers that could cause harm to fellow workers and commuters or damage the operations of our public transport system”.

Well, it speaks a lot when even the NTWU turns its back on you. Just saying.

Anyways, I guess this is one of them old stories: if you wish to test the system, don’t get caught.


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Because let’s face it; you might just get more than what you bargained for.

Since you’re here, why not watch a video about an NTU student who went all out to impress his crush, only to end up in…tragedy? Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

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Featured image: NTWU