The Labour Department has stepped into deadlocked wage talks between New World First Bus and Citybus and their employees.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung yesterday urged both sides to stay calm and keep talking in bid to reach a consensus. 'We are prepared to provide assistance like mediation if it is necessary,' he said.
The labour chief's remarks come as unions seek wage rises of between 5 and 7 per cent, versus the 3 per cent rise offered by the two bus companies controlled by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.
The dispute is set against a backdrop of rising oil prices that have brought increasing complaints from transport operators who want cuts or even abolition of diesel fuel duty.
Unionists said while it was not unusual for labour officials to monitor bus company wage talks, officials however only became involved later if the deadlock persisted.
They said some unions appeared to have softened their stance, saying if the company was willing to offer more, they would consider lowering their demands.
