SMRT's transport workers are earning 20 and 25 per cent more compared to 2012, through a higher base pay and a performance-based incentive scheme.
The 4,500 train staff and 2,800 bus workers now also have a structured career pathway and their unions enjoy a strong partnership with senior management, according to the company.
Unionisation rates have also grown 10 per cent, to 75 per cent.
This is a turnaround from November 2012, when 171 of the operator's bus drivers from China went on an illegal strike over what they claimed was unfair pay and poor accommodation.
Four ended up behind bars, while 29 were repatriated.
For its efforts, SMRT will be given the Plaque of Commendation (Gold) award at the labour movement's May Day awards today. This is the first time it is receiving the award.
Mr Gerard Koh, vice-president of human resources at SMRT, said that after the strike, a comprehensive review of salaries was done. About 60 per cent of the wage increase went into the staff's base pay, while 40 per cent was a variable component based on performance.
Bus captains, for example, can earn up to $560 a month in incentives - for fulfilling criteria including punctuality, driving safely and good customer service. This is on top of overtime pay and other allowances and bonuses.
In total, the median pay for a local driver could be about $3,600 to $3,700, with overtime.
Without going into details, Mr Koh said the basic pay for a Chinese driver is less than a local one because of foreign worker levies and dormitory fees. However, incentives, promotion and training opportunities are available to all.
About a quarter of SMRT's more than 2,000 bus captains are from China, hired on two-year contracts.
A dedicated team works to ensure that the living conditions of their dormitories - in Mandai and Woodlands - meet their needs.
SMRT's career progression framework, started in 2013, has benefited veterans like Mr Lam Choong Kian, 59, a Singaporean who has worked for SMRT for over 20 years. He received training to take on additional roles coaching junior drivers.
"I'm proud to be selected by the company... to mentor younger drivers," he said in Mandarin.
Mr Qi Cheng Lin, 43, a bus captain from China, said he is happier after being re-located from a dormitory in Serangoon to one in Mandai, where he is able to cook his own meals. He added: "I'm from Shandong, and we prefer spicy food. I can cook my hong shao rou (a fatty pork dish)."
In total, SMRT has an 8,500- strong workforce, which has grown by 22 per cent over the past three years.
This article was first published on April 29, 2015.
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