Bus drivers in Hong Kong recently bucked the trend of employer attacks on wages and working conditions. When New World First Bus (First Bus) announced plans to attach conditions to a traditional year-end guaranteed bonus, drivers were incensed. HKCTU affiliate New World First Bus Trade Union chairperson Chung Chung-fai was instrumental in organising a planned go-slow by drivers as well as leading talks with First Bus and the Transport Department. Known to his work mates as Fai Gor (Brother Fai), 49-year old Chung Chung-fai met with Union Action to discuss the dispute and the dramatic last minute climb down by the employers.

UA: Can you tell us a bit about your own background first?

Fai Gor: I have been driving for over twenty years and moved to New World First Bus in 1998. Working conditions for drivers at Hong Kong's two main bus companies are pretty similar. The problem with this recent dispute came when the employer announced changes to the year-end bonus. We tried to negotiate with them but they insisted on going ahead with the planned changes. So the union organised a go-slow. We were about to announce the action at a press conference when the employers phoned us and withdrew the changes.

UA: It was very dramatic and all filmed for the TV news as well! What do you think made First Bus back down at the last minute?

Fai Gor: There were three main factors. Firstly, the company knew that the drivers were really angry. Sure, they could try to stitch up a deal with the Branch Union of the Motor Transport Workers General Union, the Federation of Trade Unions affiliate at the company (and pro-Beijing union - UA). But 70 per cent of employees at First Bus are in our union and most of the 1,800 drivers are with us. Secondly, and most importantly, we had the support of drivers from the other main bus company in Hong Kong, City Bus, where I used to work. The City Bus Limited Employees Union at City Bus - also an HKCTU affiliate - had agreed to take part in the go-slow protest. And thirdly, the Department of Transport were involved in the talks.

UA: So unity was the key. What was the Department of Transport's role?

Fai Gor: They were very worried about the impact the drivers' go-slow would have on the Hong Kong economy. We believe they put pressure on First Bus to withdraw the attack on our bonus.

UA: Generally speaking, what are labour relations like at First Bus?

Fai Gor: The victory over the bonus was a morale booster for the drivers, but we still have concerns. Discipline for example. If there is a complaint from the public about a driver, the company always sides with the public without examining the reason for the complaint. Some passengers run up the side of a bus just as it is pulling out into traffic and try to board the bus by knocking on the doors. Some lodge a complaint if the driver doesn't open the doors. The driver will be disciplined even though he or she is simply following traffic safety by not stopping the bus.

UA: On a more general level, Hong Kong has seen some huge anti-government demonstrations recently. Does your union support the demands for the Chief Executive and Legislature to be elected by universal suffrage?

Fai Gor: There is a direct link between the democracy movement and the labour movement. Without the former, the fight for better working conditions can't fully function. Our members know this and many took part in the July 1 demonstration.

UA: What's your take on the labour movement in China?

Fai Gor: We support workers in China who do not have freedom of association. We need to publicise the situation of workers' on the mainland on the international level through HKCTU contacts and also locally.