Updated

Four Chinese immigrant bus drivers accused of instigating the city-state's first labor strike in 26 years have been granted bail in a case that highlights growing social friction caused by an influx of foreign labor.

A fifth Chinese driver has already been sentenced to six weeks in prison even though prosecutors said he was not an instigator of the strike, which was called to demand equitable pay.

Strikes are unheard of in Singapore, and the swift prosecution of the Chinese following the Nov. 26-27 strike emphasized that this strictly-enforced country will not brook disobedience from its work force.

Three of the men who appeared in court on Thursday were given a bail of $8,200. A fourth driver, who faces an additional charge, was given a bail of $16,400.