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Union ends bus strike as support shrivels, but hints at future action

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Organisers of the city's first bus strike in 21 years have been forced to end their action after the second day of the protest attracted an even poorer response among union members than the first day.

However, New World First Bus Company Staff Union, an affiliate of the Confederation of Trade Unions, said it would be halting its strike plans only temporarily and would launch further action in future - possibly without prior notice.

Lee Cheuk-yan, CTU's founding member, warned: 'This will be a lasting battle.'

Only 64 New World First Bus drivers joined the strike yesterday - down from Monday's 77 participants; the low turnout meant there was no obvious impact on passengers.

CTU's Citybus Employees Union also said yesterday it would halt its work-to-rule, while the CTU's Kowloon Motor Bus Staff Union has ended its action, which involved drivers staying an extra 10 seconds at each bus stop.

The bus companies have refused to take part in further negotiations with the CTU, and the government has offered no support to the strike started over the union's demands for a 2.2 per cent pay rise - instead of the 1.8 per cent accepted by the CTU's rival, the bigger and more powerful Federation of Trade Unions.

The difference in pay is about HK$40 a month on average, but CTU unionists said much more was at stake; they said it was a chance for the smaller union to win over FTU members and employers' recognition.

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