Container port operator 'trying to divide us'

Strikers accused Hongkong International Terminals of trying to divide them yesterday after the port operator offered a HK$5,000 bonus to workers who performed their duties in the past week or resumed work today.

HIT's move came on the ninth day of the strike at Kwai Tsing terminals, and as the High Court allowed up to 80 strikers to return to the terminals to continue picketing.

The port operator said last night it would hand out HK$3,000 within three days to each docker who had worked in the past week and another HK$2,000 if the port's operation "returns to normal" one month later. Its statement said the arrangement applied to both contract workers and those directly employed under HIT.

A spokesman added that if a worker resumed duty today, he would receive the same money. But workers who returned later would get nothing.

According to union figures, the total number of dockers working at the sections of the port operated by HIT is about 2,300. About 500 of them are on strike. That means the offer could cost the company at least HK$9 million.

Managing director Gerry Yim Lui-fai had said the strike was costing the company HK$5 million a day.

Chan Lit-ki, a checker on ships employed by contractor Everbest, said some workers might be tempted by the offer. "But for me, [the offer] means nothing," he said. "The HK$3,000 is only equal to 10 days' salary. Why should I care?"