'Older Drivers Stand To Lose Out Over Imported Staff'

The Motor Transport Workers General Union on Thursday stepped up calls for the government not to import workers from outside of Hong Kong, saying older staff will especially feel the pinch.

Officials have said they will consider importing workers for the transport sector to help tackle a manpower shortage.

The union said such a move would force older commercial drivers out of their jobs and affect pay for all.

Lam Tin-fu, the group's secretary general, urged the government to address problems in the industry so more locals will be interested in joining the trade.

“We need to address the salary and working conditions of the minibus drivers," he said.

“We believe that a responsible government should address all the current issues faced by commercial drivers before considering the problem of manpower shortage,” he added.

Chan Fung-yuen, chairman of the union's Public Light Bus Branch, said the government should do more to improve the welfare of minibus drivers, such as mandating rest and meal times instead of just issuing guidelines.

Chan said at the moment, minibus drivers earn about HK$50 to HK$60 per hour on average, and pay should go up to HK$80 to HK$90.