Bus drivers in illegal strike offered deal

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http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20130111-394703.html

The four SMRT bus drivers from China involved in an illegal strike in November last year were made an offer by the Deputy Public Prosecutor on Wednesday, for them to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced charge.

If they agree, the one charge each of them faces under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act will be reduced from one of conspiracy to instigate a strike to one of participation in the strike.

Lawyer Mark Goh, representing driver Liu Xiangying, said the new charge suggests the drivers were not the masterminds of the strike and are therefore less culpable.

Driver He Junling, 32, still faces an additional incitement charge for making an online post calling drivers to take medical leave.

The offer to him applies only if he pleads guilty to both charges.

At the pre-trial conference yesterday afternoon, the court was informed by the drivers' lawyers that more time was needed to consult their clients, in the light of the offer.

So, another pre-trial conference has been set up for Feb 1.