Ayra Wang and Cheng Wong

The taxi industry appears to have backed down from its plan for a citywide strike in protest against the SAR administration's slow progress in regulating unlicensed ride-hailing platforms.

This shift follows Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's warning that such a move might be counterproductive.

Wong Yu-ting, chairman of the Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association, had previously called for a five-day strike starting March 5 if the administration failed to take immediate action on the matter.

However, after Lee criticized the strike plan for potentially harming public interests and lacking public support, Wong said the taxi trade has yet to finalize any decision regarding the strike.

He told Sing Tao Daily, The Standard's sister newspaper, that the strike plan was based on a leaked internal document.

"Even if we decide to launch the strike, who forced us to do so?" Wong questioned.

He went on to ask, "After 10 years of protests and meetings, what has the government achieved?"

Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee warned a taxi strike might be exploited by individuals with ulterior motives, potentially distorting the core issues at hand.

"The government's position is clear - taxi services need improvement and car-hailing platforms must be regulated," Lee said.

"Any drastic action will not resolve the problem and may further inconvenience everyday citizens, ultimately lacking public backing."

Lee also expressed strong support for each bureau chief in fulfilling their respective roles and independently reporting to the director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Xia Baolong.

His remarks came following Xia's visit to the Greater Bay Area on February 8, during which he instructed bureau chiefs to implement further reforms while Lee was on an official visit to Harbin.

Lee acknowledged Xia's busy work schedule and encouraged bureau chiefs to personally communicate their matters to various stakeholders, emphasizing the administration's ongoing commitment to pursue further reforms and address existing challenges with urgency.

John Lee's opposition to a widespread strike looms large in the rear-view mirrors of taxi drivers for fear of political blowback. AFP, SING TAO

Strike plan taxis to stop on Lee criticism