I WISH to highlight the problem of job-hopping by foreign workers whose actions apparently go unpenalised by the Ministry of Manpower.

For many months, the transport sector has faced a severe shortage of drivers. I understand that many have quit to work on the construction of the two integrated resorts, where they are paid well.

Many transport companies like mine have had to employ foreign workers. In February, we employed three Chinese citizens via an employment agency.

These drivers had only a China driving licence, which is not recognised by the Land Transport Authority. They had to study the highway code and only after passing it were they allowed to convert their driving licence to a Class 3 licence.

To drive heavy vehicles, they must obtain a Class 4 licence and my company foots the expenses for the foreign workers to take the courses and tests.

Usually, we must wait for three to four months for the foreign workers to obtain the Class 4 licence.

During this period, we pay their wages and housing allowance.

Early last month, one driver decided to leave our company after having driven for three months.

He wanted to join another transport company as a driver under the S Pass, which would allow him to gain permanent residence in the quickest period possible.

We wrote to the ministry, asking that this foreign worker be blacklisted.

To our disappointment, the ministry replied that it would not ban him from employment.

That same driver whom we repatriated a month ago has returned and is working in another transport company.

Is this is fair?

Why does the ministry encourage job-hopping by foreign workers?

Chieng Chian Sing
General Manager
Union Services

This article was first published in The Straits Times on October 16, 2008.