MTR raises non-managerial staff pay by 1.6pc to 3.84pc

MTR Corporation announced on Friday that most of its non-managerial employees will receive a pay rise of between 1.6 percent and 3.84 percent this year, lower than last year’s adjustment of 1.8 percent to 5.4 percent.

The railway operator said bonuses may also be awarded depending on business performance and other factors.

MTR said the salary adjustment was made under its established pay review mechanism after carefully considering the company’s performance, the economic environment, market conditions, and employees’ contributions.

The company added that it had listened to views and requests from employee representatives, labor unions and staff regarding the pay adjustment and would continue to maintain close communication through various channels.

According to the Hong Kong Federation of Railway Trade Unions, employees rated Level 3 in performance appraisal — those whose performance meets expectations — will receive a 3.2 percent pay increase, accounting for about 55 percent of staff.

Those rated Level 4 — indicating performance above expectations — will receive a 3.84 percent increase, representing about 35 percent of employees, while Level 5 employees with outstanding performance will receive a 4.8 percent increase, accounting for about 10 percent of staff.

Employees rated Level 3 or above will also receive additional special bonuses equivalent to 1.4, 1.73, and 2.07 months’ salary, respectively.

The federation said the pay adjustment was slightly below expectations and added it would continue discussions with the company to safeguard employees’ interests.

It said it had also raised other proposals with MTR, including the early implementation of a seniority-based pay increment mechanism, the introduction of regular allowances for employees holding professional qualifications, and improvements to special shift allowances.

The federation noted that MTR recorded total revenue of HK$55.465 billion and net profit of HK$14.677 billion last year, with both passenger volume and station commercial income increasing year on year. Property development profits were also significant.

It said such achievements were inseparable from the efforts of staff and that employees should therefore receive reasonable returns.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Railway Workers General Union said the salary increase was broadly in line with market pay adjustments and within the range it considered acceptable.

However, the union urged MTR to actively consider restoring the night shift allowance to the 0.5 level and to review medical benefits, including examining the possibility of raising the subsidy cap for long-term medication.

The union also expressed hope that the company would continue to maintain good communication with employees regarding salary policies, welfare arrangements and labor relations mechanisms.