Citybus plan to import drivers runs into heavy opposition

Government approval for Citybus to hire 20 mainland drivers has drawn heavy criticism from unionists concerned about the impact on local drivers.

In response, Citybus clarified that the drivers will only be assigned to nonfranchised bus routes.

KMB has said it did not apply to import drivers from the mainland.

Citybus said the first batch of five drivers will soon arrive to undergo driving tests. They will start work next month. The remaining 15 drivers will join in the third quarter.

A Citybus spokesman said the nonlocal drivers will strictly operate on fixed routes for nonfranchised buses, conducting services such as bus leasing, employee shuttle services, and excursion services.

Citybus believes that importing manpower will allow more local bus drivers to be allocated to franchised bus routes, ensuring stable, efficient, and high-quality services for customers.

The Bravo Transport Services Ltd (Citybus) Staff Union, which opposes the import of labor, said the drivers will receive a monthly salary of about HK$19,000, without end-of-year bonuses or a 13th-month salary.

Citybus will provide dormitories for these drivers at a rent of 10 percent of their basic pay, which will be deducted from their salaries. These dormitories are situated near the Citybus depot.

The union criticized the company for employing imported labor at a higher cost and questioned why it can provide dormitories and better remuneration for imported drivers but not for local staff.

Yuen Yu-ho, director of the Motor Transport Workers General Union's Citybus branch, also questioned the bus operator's lack of communication with the union.

He said: "This time they will only import 20 drivers. But it will be a huge problem if they import more."

Lai Siu-chung, also from the union, criticized the importation, arguing that it would affect local employment. He did not rule out launching industrial action.

He also criticized the government for going back on its word, saying officials previously assured the union that drivers, who require a high level of service, would not be replaced by imported labor.

DAB lawmaker Ngan Man-yu expressed confidence in the quality of the imported drivers saying that the government would conduct strict assessments.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com