Who was responsible for the Hock Lee Bus Riots?
Attempts by the Singapore Bus Workers Union (SBWU) to fight for improved wages and working conditions at the Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company led to tensions between the union and the bus company management. Singapore’s labour relations in the 1950s was chaotic and marked by unrest.
Why did Hock Lee Bus riot?
The Hock Lee bus workers’ strike began on 23 April 1955. The incident was a result of failed negotiations between the Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company and its bus workers. The workers wanted better working conditions while the employers wanted to protect their business interests.
What happened during the Hock Lee Bus Riots?
Accompanied by students from Chinese middle schools as well as other sympathisers, the mob picketed bus stops and a depot in an attempt to urge other bus drivers to join their cause. The strike eventually erupted into a full-blown riot comprising 2,000 people on May 12 the same year.
What did the Hock Lee Bus company do in response to the strike?
In response, the bus company dismissed two employees who were branch officials of the SBWU. At the same time, a rival union – the Hock Lee Bus Employees’ Union, also known as the Hock Lee Bus Workers’ Union – was formed.
What caused the Chinese Middle School riots?
The riots came about when Lim Yew Hock announced that the Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union would be closed due to its communist activities. The government also arrested four student leaders and expelled 142 students.
How did the Chinese Middle School riots end?
On 24 October, the government issued an ultimatum that the schools be vacated. As the deadline approached, riots started at the Chinese High School and spread to other parts of the island. The government decided to take action. On 26 October 1956, the police entered the schools and cleared the students using tear gas.
What caused the Chinese Middle schools student riots?
Is Fong Swee Suan a communist?
Fong has maintained the position that he is a socialist and not a pro-communist.
Why do so many Chinese live in Singapore?
Chinese migration to Singapore has been happening since the 19th century, after the founding of Singapore as a free port by Stamford Raffles in 1819. The demand for a skilled workforce and labour in Singapore was the driving force for attracting Chinese migrants to Singapore during that period of time.