Source:
https://scmp.com/article/235678/meeting-fails-allay-staff-job-concerns

Meeting fails to allay staff job concerns

A meeting with officials from the Transport Department yesterday failed to dispel CMB staff fears about their job arrangements and fringe benefits under the new bus operator.

At least 17 staff and their families could become homeless because they will have to move out of quarters in North Point owned by CMB.

Kwong Cheuk-lai, one of seven representatives who met transport officials, said they were told to meet New World First Bus Services as soon as possible.

Mr Kwong said: 'The officials said they would not intervene at the beginning. They will consider offering help if we really have problems negotiating with the company.

'That means we will have to fight for our own benefits.' He said the department promised to work with the Social Welfare and Housing departments to help staff who faced losing their rights to stay in CMB quarters.

Another representative, Tong Chiu-yin, feared senior and long-serving staff might lose long-service leave benefits.

The new company has promised staff salaries will not be reduced and will be on a par with those paid by other bus companies.

But it would not be responsible for pensions for long-serving staff who would retire soon, saying CMB should be responsible.