Commuters urged to use other transport and union threatens general strike after pay talks break down
Commuters and road users have been warned of possible long delays and disruption because of planned industrial action today by bus drivers after last-minute negotiations with their companies broke down yesterday.
Drivers from the four bus companies will stage a work-to-rule between 10am and noon, with an estimated 6,000 journeys affected.
They have also threatened to escalate their action tomorrow and call a general strike on Wednesday if their demand for a pay rise is not satisfied.
The work-to-rule today will see protesting drivers wait until passengers are seated before setting off, stopping at every stop even if no one is waiting to get on or off, and not pulling away from a bus stop until the bus in front has left. They will also drive in the slow lane only.
The Motor Transport Workers General Union last night claimed the work to rule would lead to serious traffic build-up along such main routes as King's Road on Hong Kong Island and Nathan Road in Kowloon.