Health worker union condemns official 'threat' to strikers

The union organizing a strike at public hospitals has accused the Hospital Authority of suppressing members by issuing a letter warning against the action, adding that it will consult lawyers, RTHK reports.

The Hospital Authority Employees Alliance said many of its members who have not reported for duty have received an email from the authority, saying they can only take part in the strike as long as this is "in compliance with the laws of Hong Kong.''

A screen capture of the email has been circulating online, with the note saying staff are expected to report for duty according to their work schedule and their participation in the strike "during work hours is not agreed or consented to....and no permission is granted.''

The alliance's vice-chairman, Ivan Law, said the letter is a threat and a form of suppression of their members.

He said as much it is a standard procedure adopted by the authority, the union is discussing with lawyers on how to handle the matter.

Law said the authority is keeping the door open for taking action against striking workers in future.

The alliance said it expected more than 9,000 health care workers to take part in the industrial action today, in a bid to press the government for a complete border shutdown to prevent the spread of the Wuhan virus outbreak.

Law added that they could consider suspending their strike, if there was an increase in cases or an outbreak in the local community.-Photo: RTHK