Staff strike at Swire Coca-Cola plant after firing of union member bus captain

Hundreds of staff members at Swire Coca-Cola HK launched a strike on Friday outside the company’s Sha Tin facility, protesting the dismissal of a bus captain who is also an executive of the Swire Beverages (Hong Kong) Employees' General Union.

The union alleges the employee was unfairly terminated and claims the company “passed judgment before any trial,” suggesting the dismissal was targeted due to his union role.

The incident stems from a traffic accident involving the driver last month. The company terminated his employment on Thursday, stating that an internal review found he had violated operational rules and procedures, thereby “endangering the personal safety of others.”

In a response, Swire Coca-Cola emphasized that public and social safety are its top priorities and that the dismissal was carried out in accordance with its disciplinary and personnel policies.

The dismissed driver, Wong, contested the company’s decision, stating his contract was terminated without any prior warning. He emphasized that the police have not yet pressed charges and the incident is still under investigation, calling the company’s action “unfair and unreasonable.”

The union has put forward four demands, including the immediate reinstatement of Wong. 

Vice President of the union, Don Chan Hing-lung, argued that the company’s handling of this case differs from previous traffic accidents, noting that the driver was fired before even providing a formal statement to police or being charged.

He also questioned the company’s reference to an internal safety guideline requiring seatbelt use while reversing, stating that he had never seen or been trained on such a specific rule during his employment.

The protest drew a police presence in the morning, with officers declaring the gathering an unauthorized assembly and instructing attendees to disperse.

Dozens of officers remained at the scene for crowd control, though the striking employees continued their demonstration. The union has vowed to “stand firm” and continue actions until the company responds to their demands.