Hopes were raised yesterday that striking ironworkers would soon be back to work after a number of them accepted an improved pay offer.
Choi Chun-wah, of the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), said the offer of HK$920 a day - HK$30 below their original demand - had swayed some members. The figure had been proposed on Wednesday night during an informal meeting with contractors.
Mr Choi said unions were expected to enter a formal, open meeting with the employers next week, although a date had not been fixed.
'If there is no compromise, there can't be a consensus,' said Mr Choi.
He said he also expected members of the Bar-Bending Contractors' Association and the Construction Association to attend the meeting. Six people elected from a pool of 100 workers would also participate to ensure their voices would be heard.
Poon Man-hon, of the Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU), said no representative from his union would attend the talks. 'If there is a meeting, the FTU will attend. The resumption of negotiations between the two sides is what we are concerned with most,' he said.
Mr Poon said the value of a fund created to raise public donations had reached HK$460,000, with about HK$360,000 distributed to 1,200 striking workers as an allowance yesterday. The rest would be used to cover the strike's operational expenses.
