13 May 2008 – In a strong show of support for the move towards the re–employment of older workers, SBS Transit has raised the retirement age of all its Bus Captains (BCs) from 62 to 65 years old.¹ Significantly, BCs who stay on working will continue to receive their last drawn salary and not experience any downward salary adjustments.
It is estimated that some 240 SBS Transit BCs will turn 62 years old in the next five years. They can continue to work until 65, either in their present capacity or in a different job scope. The Company also offers re–employment opportunities to those who are over 65 years of age. There are currently over 50 staff in this age group and they have been re-employed in various positions.
SBS Transit currently has about 5,200 BCs – two–thirds of whom are aged 40 and above.
Mr Gan Juay Kiat, Chief Operating Officer of SBS Transit, feels that older workers still have much to contribute. He said: “We value the contributions of our older Bus Captains so we have decided to offer them this option to remain productive at work. Indeed, we have noticed that older BCs tend to be more patient and careful when it comes to driving. The experience they have garnered over the years also means that they are able to pass valuable pointers to our new BCs.”
Retired Bus Captains who have good performance records can be re–engaged as Bus Captains or Service Mentors who coach new BCs on driving, best practices, service thinking and safety observation as well as offer practical pointers on how to handle difficult customers so that new BCs are better equipped on their job.
Mr Foo Ah Boon is a former BC who was re–employed as a Service Mentor after retiring in 2005. What he enjoys about being a part-time Service Mentor is the fact that he can continue to be productive and yet have enough time for his family. The 67 year old, who was named May Day Model Worker in 2007, said: “I only work about two days a week when new BCs are recruited so it gives me flexibility to enjoy some leisure activities and play with my grandson.”
His colleague, 60 year old Senior BC Lim Boh Cher was due to retire in two years' time but is now looking forward to spending even more years at work.
“I am delighted that I can choose to extend my retirement age to 65 years old because I do enjoy being a BC.” said the BC who has been transporting commuters for the last 37 years.
The Company is also working closely with the National Transport Workers' Union, in emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“If you want to continue working for as long as possible, then really, you need to keep physically fit and healthy. The union and SBS Transit, organized basic health checks for bus captains, as a healthy lifestyle programme since last year. More than 1,000 bus captains were screened. The programme is ongoing and the target is to encourage all bus captains to go through the basic health screening.” said Mr Fang Chin Poh, NTWU General Secretary.
NTWU is also working with the company to organize health talks for bus captains, and working with the Health Promotion Board to promote healthy food choices for bus captains at canteens at bus depots and interchanges.
¹ There are 1,095 BCs who joined the Company before 31 December 1982. The retirement age for this group of BCs is already 65 based on their old employment terms. The new retirement age rule therefore does not affect them.
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