Bus Union Threatens Drivers Over Work-to-rule

A bus union warned drivers who refuse to take part in planned work-to-rule action on Friday morning that it could report them to law enforcement agencies if they don't abide by industry regulations during the rush hour protest.

Part of the measures planned include only allowing passengers to get on or off buses when the vehicles are parked exactly as required at bus stops, and not allowing people to stand in front of the yellow lines on bus floors.

The Kowloon Motor Bus Employees Union appealed to all its 1,400 members to join the industrial action over what it describes as long working hours and unfair pay calculations for when drivers are on rest breaks.

The union’s chairman Kwok Chi-sing said drivers are not being forced to take part in the protest, but they should be careful about not following the law during this period.

Meanwhile, the union has called for average pay increases of 12 percent for drivers.

It has also demanded that maximum working hours be capped at 12 per day, regardless of any "special" circumstances.

New guidelines introduced after a fatal bus crash in Tai Po in February say bus companies can ask drivers to work 14 hours if necessary.