KMB Sacks Four Drivers Involved In Strike

The Kowloon Motor Bus driver who spearheaded a strike over salaries last month has been sacked, together with her husband and at least two other drivers.

Yip Wai-lam had led several others in a strike on the evening of February 24 while they were on duty. They stopped their buses and refused to move for around 15 minutes, but the action only caused slight delays.

Yip recently founded a new drivers’ group called the Monthly-Paid Bus Drivers' Alliance to fight for higher salaries. She says her contract has now been terminated with immediate effect. But she and her husband both refused to sign documents ending their employment and accept their final pay checks.

Fighting back tears when speaking to reporters, Yip said she doesn't regret at all what she did. She said she would seek help from the Labour Department and other KMB staff unions.

Political groups including the Federation of Trade Unions, Labour Party and Civic Party condemned the sacking. They accused KMB of suppressing industrial campaigns initiated by staff.

Yip had called off plans for further action after meeting with KMB management last week, where she said they had been receptive to her group's concerns about the pay structure and pressure faced by frontline staff.

Working conditions at KMB have come under scrutiny following a spate of bus accidents, including the Tai Po crash last month in which 19 people died.

Critics said drivers work long shifts without enough rest, which puts passengers at risk. Unions also say poor pay is failing to attract fresh talent.

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