Citybus union slams importation of mainland Chinese drivers into Hong Kong
- Union raises concerns over safety, noting mainlanders drive on opposite side of road and under different set of traffic rules
- But company stresses new workers will only operate non-franchised bus services, such as employee shuttles and city tours
A union for Citybus workers has decried the company’s importation of 20 drivers from mainland China into Hong Kong, raising concerns about road safety and their driving standards.
Citybus Limited Employees Union chairman Lam Nai-wa said on Thursday the organisation was outraged by the company’s decision to bring in mainland bus drivers for non-franchised operations. The first batch of five are due to arrive next month to take the local driving test.
“We are very angry about this arrangement,” Lam said. “The company has decided to import the mainland drivers without consulting us. This is entirely disrespectful to the union and its staff.”
Lam raised safety concerns, noting mainlanders drove on the opposite side of the road and used a different set of traffic rules.
“I am concerned about whether they can adapt to a different environment and drive safely in Hong Kong, which has a different set of rules from that of the mainland,” he said. “Mainland bus drivers have no experience of driving double-deckers. Who can ensure that they will be fit for the job?”
Lam questioned whether Citybus could provide sufficient training for the imported drivers and ensure road safety, urging the company to instead put the resources into hiring local drivers