Angry union members forced their way into the office of Tung Chee-hwa's family shipping firm in Wan Chai yesterday to demand reinstatement of a sacked worker. About 25 members of the Confederation of Trade Unions protested against the dismissal of truck driver Tang Sin-hing by Cargo System Warehouse & Transport, a subsidiary of Orient Overseas Container Line, of which Mr Tung was formerly chairman. Mr Tang, who had been with the company for six years, claimed he was sacked for his role as a vocal union member, although his employer insisted that he left voluntarily after failing to meet the company's basic performance criteria. A minor disturbance broke out in the lift lobby at the Harbour Centre after an employee from the firm arrived claiming it would be 'inconvenient' to allow the group to go up to its office on the 32nd floor to present a petition. The representative said the group's presence would disturb employees. But members of the group, led by unionist and legislator Lee Cheuk-yan, then attempted to force their way into the lifts by pushing back security staff. Several protesters staged a sit-in for few minutes when lifts were shut down, causing lunchtime delays to office workers. The company eventually let the protesters go upstairs. Mr Lee said Mr Tang's case was important as it could set a bad example for others. Mr Tang said he would stage a sit-in at the Central Government Offices today, when the group intends to confront Mr Tung as he arrives for the weekly Executive Council meeting.
