10/14/2013

Boycott of La Fondue Restaurant

Gilbert Goh of Hong Lim Park fame has called for a boycott of the La Fondue Restaurant for discriminatory advertisement against Singaporeans. The offensive advertisment that let to this boycott is here:

‘HIGH SALARY FOR FILIPINO CHEFS ONLY E PASS, PR AND DP HOLDER

URGENTLY NEEDED CHEFS!!!!...We are currently an all Filipino team at the service and kitchen department….posted by oloresisimoroginald@gmail.com.’
Bloggers are up in arms against such a discriminatory advertisement that came immediately after what MOM had said and specifically told employers to be sensitive and to give the citizens a fair chance in employment. Maybe the restaurant did not read the newspaper or did not know of the MOM’s directive.
 

The next day the CEO of La Fondue, Ravinder Pal, issued a clarification and an apology citing that the management did not know about this and it was the work of an employee and disciplinary action would be taken against him. This did not please the netizens and they are claiming that the apology was not sincere and insulting their intelligence.
 

This is the first time a boycott has been called against a restaurant by the people, a bottom up initiative. And from the angry posts in the internet, it is not going to go down quietly. It is unfortunate that such an incident occurred.
 

While the netizens are angry, they should not lose the plot. The main problem at stake is the good jobs that were taken away by the so called foreign talents at PME level. At the lower level and for jobs that the citizens are not too interested, the reaction should be moderated. The employers need to hire and if the citizens are shunning those jobs, some flexibility must be there for the business to exist and operate. Of course in this case it was the outright discriminatory advertisement that is the main issue. No discriminatory advertisement is allowed under the MOM’s directive. It is against the law.
 

While netizens are right to be angry, let’s focus on the right stuff, the good jobs that PMEs have been discriminated and booted out, replaced by foreigners. This is the crux of the matter. Do not be distracted. Do not lose your focus. Singaporeans want the good jobs.
 

The fact that such a protest came about is telling a story, a new development in the city state. The citizens are getting increasingly aware of their plight, of their ownership of this island. They would not want to be pushed around by foreigners anymore. And the rude foreigners, the beating of citizens by foreigners, only helped to fan the fire. They are claiming their rights as citizens of the island, they are going to reclaim their country. It is a good sign that the citizens have awakened and politicised, and know that they have to fight for their own existence in their homeland.
 

This is the beginning of our version of the Tea Party. The people are standing up for their own rights and well being. They are taking matters into their own hands, a bad sign that says the govt has failed them. When they do, there is nothing to stop them. This is only the first step. This is a concrete action oriented move by Gilbert Goh following up on his PWP protest movement. Gilbert could set up his own team of investigators to expose companies that are guilty of selling out the citizens. He could open an avenue for whistleblowers to go to him or his blog for follow up actions. The whistleblowers can be assured of actions from Gilbert and his team. No lip service.
 

It is action time and more boycotts are likely to be called if the employers continue to flout the employment law and discriminate against Singaporeans. The govt cannot go after the people or Gilbert who are seen as protecting the citizens’ interests. Making things difficult for Gilbert could backfire, as anti Singaporeans.
 

There is a cause, and a champion is born.

36 comments:

  1. RB, u know the majority of sinkies only look after their own interest lar. They only kpkb when it affect them. 60% still not affected yet mH

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  2. they may give out free boxes of pineapple tarts to attract customers to their la fondue restaurant.......

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  3. Right anon@8.46

    Lots of sinkies look down even of their own countrymen.

    We oldies get cold stares from the insensitive youngsters thinking we are a lot of peasants.

    Never did they know that now with even a string degrees, many are even not gainfully employed.

    Many of them still has to be supported by their parents even in buying their first flats.

    We oldies retired at this age still have the means to get by till the day we are pushed into the furnace

    Doubt that they even have 5k in their cpf when they retired or unable to retire..

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  4. Boycott no use lah! This type of up market swiss restaurant are patronised by FTs, not locals like me who only eat at affordable outlets like food courts.

    The FTs are not likely to support the boycott.

    Instead Gilbert should call for the sacking of the Manpower Minister.

    The episode came so soon after the Minister's call for fair employment practices only show the disdain the foreign employers have for him and the daft sinkies.

    I am holding my breath to see how the Govt would react to such defiance.

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  5. oldhorse42 9.10am ........

    U are correct !!!

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  6. No comments from Halimah yet?

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  7. seriously, they may give out free boxes of pineapple tarts to attract customers to their la fondue restaurant.......

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  8. RB: // Gilbert Goh of Hong Lim Park fame has called for a boycott of the La Fondue Restaurant for discriminatory advertisement against Singaporeans. The offensive advertisment that let to this boycott is here:

    ‘HIGH SALARY FOR FILIPINO CHEFS ONLY E PASS, PR AND DP HOLDER

    URGENTLY NEEDED CHEFS!!!!...We are currently an all Filipino team at the service and kitchen department….posted by oloresisimoroginald@gmail.com.’
    Bloggers are up in arms against such a discriminatory advertisement that came immediately after what MOM had said and specifically told employers to be sensitive and to give the citizens a fair chance in employment. Maybe the restaurant did not read the newspaper or did not know of the MOM’s directive. //


    GG should build on his experiences learned and actually conserve his "bullets". This type of blatant discriminatory employment prejudices, abominable and reprehensible, unfair, apposite tribal-type practices on our very own under the very nose of the relevant authorities is likely to galvanise massive support not unlike the "Pink Dot" turnout if a HLP "PAP Party - Political Awareness Picnic Party" is called, say in Mar to June 2014.

    No more HLP "picinic party" should be organised between now and Feb 2014 unless some "repentant elites" are inclusive, generous and kind enough to go one step further, enlarge HLP, build solid flooring instead of current muddy grass fields ( during raining days ), permanent covered platforms, covered link-ways, seats with roof sheltering and surrounding areas external live big screens coverage/ telecast when seating capacities are full.

    Heh heh heh!

    Think it will happen? Who knows? Loong chong Santa Claus(es) are coming to HLP, MB?

    Anyway, with the expected stormy, thundery year end raining season, best not to fight against the weather to organise any HLP "picnic party" during this period.

    Such events are unlike election rallies. Those events have fixated short periods so supporters may choose or have no choice but to brave the rain, muddy fields and damaged shoes,muddied feet, legs and pants.

    "Picnic party" goers are likely to appreciate if organisers don't choose dates that are likely to encounter severe bad weather. No point going against the weather when going against the "elitist and non-inclusive system" is tough enough.

    Hope GG and fellow supporters don't feel offended by my well-intentioned, sincere and humble suggestion.

    Nonetheless, it would be a bonus ( albeit a 1 in 10 billion odds ) if "Santa Claus" decides to "patronise" HLP and take up the above-mentioned "upgrading" of HLP.

    Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

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  9. Lao Ren Yuan ResidentOctober 14, 2013 10:46 am

    That advertisement is akin to your Pinoy maid throwing excrement at you and showing you the middle finger as well.

    Only in Sinkingpoor is such a blatant challenge to the native population tolerated. In any other country, riots will erupt and the natives will surely demand the prosecution and expulsion of whoever is responsible for posting this derogatory advertisement.

    That CEO should just sack the moron for callous insensitivity. In fact, it borders on criminal insensitivity.

    No one I know or can exert an influence on, will patronize that restaurant. Yes, you may have an all Filipino service and kitchen crew but see how long you nitwits can stay employed WITHOUT customers!

    If I were younger and not so engrossed with pruning and smelling my roses, I would march straight to the police station and make a report against him.

    If our MOM and ICA are awake, they might like to take note of his particulars and reassess his extension of his work permit in due time.

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  10. Hi Lao Ren Yuan Resident, welcome to the blog. Any Sinkie recruited into such an environment would need help to be integrated. Would the govt spend some money to help Sinkies to integrate into a Pinoy environment?

    This is like 引狼入室。

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  11. I remember Fish and his Le Miserables song,

    'Do you hear the people sing, singing a song of angry men.

    It is the song of a people, who would not be slaves again.

    When the beating of the heart, echoes the beating of the drum, there is a life about to start, when tomorrow comes....'

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  12. I am a regular at Dempsey Road. In fact, I'm here right now at Dome Cafe writing this. Funny how this used to be the place for NS registration. Now it is a hip fine wine and dining area. No "cookhouse" food here ;-)

    Frankly, La Fondue is not my favourite place to dine -- but their chocolate fondue is to die for. It is a well run, nice place but quite expensive.

    I don't know what Gilbert was thinking, but the majority of his audience is already "boycotting" LF for the simple fact that they simply either cannot afford to eat there or are turned off by the prices.

    Please lah. People are running a business. They can hire or fire anyone according to thier wishes, plans and budget.

    For the folks who are still "sour grapes", I suggest they work hard and apply themselves. Perhaps one day when they are "successful" they too can eat at places like La Fondue and enjoy the creations of the wonderfully talented foreigners and their entrepreneural endeavours.

    Got productivity?

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  13. Lao Ren Yuan ResidentOctober 14, 2013 11:44 am

    Mati,

    Have you been dead for the last couple of years. Sinkingpoor has the most millionaires per capita. To patronize a shit joint like that Pinoy Fondle, it is not a question of affordability but whether we want to or not. Not many Sinkingpooreans are that enamoured with that choco shit. Yucks!

    Be aware that NO restaurant in Sinkingpoor is unaffordable to the AVERAGE Sinkingpoorean. Geddit?

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  14. Lao Ren Yuan ResidentOctober 14, 2013 11:49 am

    Redbean,

    There are so many wolves now in this Sinkingpoor that most of us native Sinkingpooreans are worst than rabbits.

    The foreign workers I like best are the Banglas. They work quietly and slog at the most difficult work, never complaining, NEVER COCKY and keep the peace.

    Why don't that Pinoy Fondle employ an all Bangla environment crew to endure to us?

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  15. @Lao Ren Yuan Resident

    Hey asshole, Haven't i always defended the wealth in Singapore? Please lah, you are the one who is brain dead.

    I challenge your claim: BULLSHIT. The "average" Singaporean will not spend $5000+++ for a bottle of Chateau Petreus. I know Singaporeans who'll order 5 bottles at a time, but I assure you they are not "average".

    Similarly, Cordon Bleu Cognac is a favourite amongst Singaporeans, but these are not "average" folks. The "average" folks don't have the means to splash 20-30k a night, but yes, there are Singaporeans who can.

    BTW, how did many of these folks get and stay rich? By cutting over-expenses and increasing profits by replacing expensive inefficient local Singaporeans with hungry and motivate, cheaper FOREIGNERS.

    Have you "geddit" yet? No? Never mind. I hope you find Singapore as awesome as I do.

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  16. Lao Ren Yuan ResidentOctober 14, 2013 12:50 pm

    @Mati Deviant,

    "The "average" Singaporean will not spend $5000+++ for a bottle of Chateau Petreus."

    As if you do! Ha Ha, you're just a wannabe fine diner. For all we know, you're at some cheapo joint chomping your $2 chicken hamburger while shouting how affordable Cordon Bleu is, to you!

    Listen shitty ex Sinkingpoorean, I have been drinking Cordon Bleu in the company of babes who are now grandmas while you were still sucking your mother's teat.

    Geddit?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous said...

    seriously, they may give out free boxes of pineapple tarts to attract customers to their la fondue restaurant.......

    October 14, 2013 9:36 am

    Free boxes of pineapple tarts will not attract to this restaurant.

    But Filipino tarts will!

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  18. @lao ren:

    obviously you are not average lah. so why so aggressive. The average Singaporean is the one kpkb about life in this glorious island.


    So I really don't know what your problem is. I enjoy wealth and like wealthy and successful people. And in a place like Singapore there is NO BASIS to complain as there are literally boundless opportunity to further your personal financial agenda.


    BTW no matter how much wealth I have, I won't pay 5 grand for a bottle of wine. But my Chinese Indonesian clients most certainly will :-) I'm a Jaudi when it comes to spending money. I look for value and profit, preferring to get paid in high prices but pay out as low as I can. This is why I defend business like LA Fondue.... they pay lower wage to Filipino and sell their food at high price to customers. Simply good business lah.

    Geddit yet? No? Never mind lah, enjoy your cordon bleaue and your China pussy. Just remember, you are not average Singaporean.

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  19. Matilah, there are many average Sinkies here, I included. Cannot kpkb meh? If the average Sinkies did not kpkb we will be sold without knowing what happened.

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  20. Pls Dont Mati, Lah! SingapuraOctober 14, 2013 3:07 pm

    @ RB 2.47: /// Matilah, there are many average Sinkies here, I included. Cannot kpkb meh? If the average Sinkies did not kpkb we will be sold without knowing what happened. ///


    Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

    Uncle RB, don't you get the drift?

    Actually, it's good people like " Mati ... Lah! Singapura!" put down average sinkies lah to win his arguments.

    Indirectly, he probably has helped agitate and piss off many average sinkies that even Loong chong "elites" have to take their hats off to him.

    Mb, our Teochew Uncle in AGRC won't mind buying him some "thick chocolate fondue" for helping him create many more oppo votes for his party.

    Btw, till now, nobody notice the drift in his internet "moniker"?

    Read the words carefully ......

    Mati, Lah! Singapura!

    Is he cursing the precious jewel LKY and his successors so painstakingly built up everyday, every hour every min, every second with his "moniker"?

    Tmr Hari Raya leh!

    Why every time curse "Singapura", "Mati" Lah?

    What are you thinking, "Mati, Lah! Singapura"?

    Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

    Mb, he may receive a knock on the door in middle of night from "Santa Claus" with some "presents"!

    Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

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  21. LongliveLah SingapuraOctober 14, 2013 3:13 pm

    With "Mati, Lah! Singapura" around, how can some people not get less and less popular and more and more estranged with sinkies. Everyday kanna cursed Mati what?

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  22. @October 14, 2013 11:36 am

    whao ... you are a socialite gracing those waterholes there??

    flashing those dazzling diamond jewellery ???

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  23. Humongous Charcoal SausageOctober 14, 2013 3:32 pm

    @ anon 3.12 pm
    "many female honcho loved to be lumsing with their pinoy toyboy too"


    Outdated liao lah!

    Overheard from "ah-non-neh" females that they {fond} of "humongous charcoal sausages" the best {due} to the "huge serving" and "lasting after taste" {la} so they prefer such {restaurant} with a humongous varieties of "meat".

    "Itchy-bang" obviously knows the best "recipes" for total enjoyment and satisfaction with the right "humongous charcoal sausages", "pinoy toyboy" no placing lah on the "pande-podium".

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  24. some women like the smell.

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  25. OK. There seems to be some confusion.

    "Matilah Singapura" my monicker is NOT I repeat NOT a curse, but a prediction.

    My prediction is that the local Singaporeans will fuck their cuntree and society up without the govt's help. They'll do it because they will not change with the times, they will not compete toe-to-toe with mor motivated and hungrier Asians like Pinoys, Banglas and PRCs. They will kill their cuntree with overt racism, xenophobia, and the refusal to accept hard truths.

    They will destroy a beautiful island -- my Hotel Island Paradise -- because they blame the govt for everything and expect the govt to give them everything.

    Singaporeans will destroy Singapore, hence Matilah Singapura is my prediction.

    However, before that happens, times are still awesome. Got plenty of opportunity, more than enough sweet pussy and ample supply of booze.

    So, have fun...and make sure you get the fuck out in time before Matilah Singapura!

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  26. redbean:

    Where have I ever said you cannot kpkb? However if you do, I osso got big big mouth. I will respond to your kpkb with my own kpkb?

    Can or not?

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  27. ok,ok, you can. I won't compete with you on big mouth. I lose.

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  28. We used to joke that in Singapore the shop assistance are very friendly - to each other. From the airport to the hotel and everything in between, bad service by the Singapore people are legendary.

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  29. Red Bean,

    Sorry, this blog is too rich for me, seems like you have gather all the rich people, they can abused those normals inculding yourself, isn't this suppose to be your blog, it seems that one is running the whole blog even telling you off, i told my friends that Mysingaporeannews had some very interesting and amusing arguements which they should come in and see and support you, but all but one had been shot down by one comment, its so sad to see even you are sitting down kowning the insults to chidren are done.

    My 4 friends even entered an advert and left it in on for 4 hours while drinking and talking to support you, but this has been an eye opener, isn't this bullying, what right has the vulgarity be used on us???.

    Kaki

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  30. Hi Kaki, the quality of a blog is the bloggers participating in the discussion. Agree that Matilah could sometime be high on drugs and his other persona will surface to piss people off.

    At times he will talk sensibly and that is the time to challenge his kpkb. If you read his stuff you will know that there are plentiful of holes for people to poke. It is always a pleasure to dismiss Matilah's false logic. And that makes the discussion interesting.

    And thanks for the kopi, from your friends as well.

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  31. The issue here very simply is that the restaurant (or their staff, authorised or not) placed a discriminatory job ad, which is something unaccepatable to MOM. Gilbert did the right thing in bring this matter to the attention of MOM.

    There is no need for anyone to boast that he can afford to drink Chateau Petrus or Cordon Bleu.

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  32. Only the nouveau riche will boast about such things, things that they just found out that they have the money to buy, not necessarily appreciate.

    I had the experience of drinking with a peasant who pretended to be very knowledgeable about wine, and in his zeal to show his generosity and stupidity, shook every drop of liquid in the wine bottle, like shaking a bottle of ketchup, into my wine glass.

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  33. This was reported in ST today, 15.10.2013:

    MP steps in after RC's Tagalog sign sparks online debate.

    A SIGN in Tagalog seeking volunteers for a Filipino residents' sub-committee has sparked controversy online, prompting the area's MP Teo Ser Luck to clarify that it was a mistake and that no such sub-committee was formed.

    Filipino workers appear to attract more attention than other migrant workers - for all the wrong reasons.

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  34. Philippines can take on China.

    What is sinkie?

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  35. You are right on this. They are also buying more arms from the Americans and signing defence pacts with them and the Japanese. A new regional power in the making.

    They used to arrest Chinese and Taiwanese fishing boats in the area and demanded a ransom for their release. Made quite a lot of money and creating a lot of fear too. A menace to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

    Hope China and the Taiwanese can step up to these pirates and shoot on sight.

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  36. here's the reality of it all. Everyone in the F & B industry knows that this CEO loves Pinoys. No secret and what amazes everyone is how do they actually qualify for that many staff when the local office has only 1 or 2 locals. MOM are you sleeping...a finely worded apology does not hide the fact something dodgy is ongoing.

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