A Hong Kong bus driver union has hit out at a company’s guidelines asking drivers to save fuel amid surging oil prices by switching off air-conditioning when they are not carrying passengers, arguing that such policies pose safety risks.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Motor Transport Workers General Union also called on public bus firm KMB to allow for lower air-conditioning temperatures inside compartments to improve the working environment of bus captains.
“The union believes that the company’s requirement for turning off air conditioning and opening windows when not carrying passengers under environmental protection pretexts seriously ignores the already severe air pollution problems on various routes with heavy traffic and passenger flow,” it said.
“In addition, buses are often exposed to direct sunlight during daily operations, and without adequate air conditioning and ventilation, this could lead to heatstroke among drivers and traffic accidents, resulting in loss of life and property that no one wants to see.”
The union urged KMB to lower the air-conditioning temperature from 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) to 23 degrees, to help with ventilation and improve the working environment.
The group said it had sought the help of the Transport Department and the Labour Department in following up.
