KMB and LWB announce Wage Review Plan 2021

The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (“KMB”) and Long Win Bus Company Limited have today (3 August 2021) announced that the wages of all employees would remain at their current levels in 2021. In view of the influence from COVID-19, harsh operational environment and current labour market, it is necessary for KMB and LWB to make the relevant decision. KMB and LWB express their gratitude to staff members for their understanding. Considering that our employees served the community with dedication and professional courtesy, the companies will issue a one-time ex-gratia payment of $2,000 to all non-management level employees. In addition, salary increment points of employees, end of year bonus and double pay of monthly-rated employees, end of year bonus and lunar new year bonus of daily-rated employees, and staff promotion mechanism of different levels will remain unchanged.  

KMB and LWB are facing unprecedented challenges in operations. Influenced by the COVID-19, prohibition on group gatherings and anti-epidemic measures at control points, the patronage and income of buses have not returned to the pre-epidemic level yet. The opening of a new railway line has further hit the patronage of buses. In addition, the continuous rising of the oil price since early 2021, the rejection of the fare increase application of LWB from the Government, and the loss of some new routes’ franchises in the bid, all these factors have put immense pressure on our operations and financial condition. In the future, a continuous difficulty of the operational environment can be foreseen. Having considered the factors above, the employment market and the pay review of civil servants made by the Government, KMB and LWB have drawn up the wage review plan this year.

The management teams of KMB and LWB have proactively communicated with representatives of the Motor Transport Workers General Union KMB Branch and LWB Branch, and the Kowloon Motor Bus Workers General Union and its Long Win Bus Branch on the wage review. KMB and LWB would like to express their gratitude to employees for their understanding of the companies in the face of the challenging business environment. The companies are committed to making their best effort to provide a stable employment environment for staff members. We look forward to staying united with employees and providing passengers with safe, reliable and quality services.