Student Unions Call For 'indefinite Strike'

The student unions of 11 universities and tertiary institutions on Monday issued a joint statement calling for an indefinite strike in Hong Kong, alleging the police actions on Sunday show they have gone "out of control".

They said the campaign would last until justice is served for police officers who had abused their powers and used excessive force.

They said people should immediately stop going to work or classes, and shut their businesses.

The student groups said police went "completely out of control" and "lost their humanity" in the way protesters were treated on Sunday night, adding that officers have been using excessive force against protesters, reporters and civilians in the past two months.

Jacky So, president of the Chinese University student union, said the campaign has the support of many workers, such as public hospital doctors.

"Democracy and also the freedom in Hong Kong is more important than rents and salaries. If there isn't any more freedom in Hong Kong, then actually we are nothing," he said.

They also proposed stepping up their campaign at the airport with daily protests at Chek Lap Kok.

"If we can obstruct certain airport services, that would be pressuring the government," So said.

A one-day general strike was held on August 5, shutting down the city.

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