A dockworkers strike at a Hutchison Port Holdings-operated terminal in the Port of Hong Kong has stretched into a second week, according to local reports.
Dockworkers at the port who are managed by a subcontractor of Hutchison are protesting what they consider an insufficient pay increase, with several hundred camped out on a road leading to the terminal since last week, according to a report by the Associated Press.
They are seeking a 20 percent pay increase while being offered a 5 percent hike.
The protest has caused disruption at a key terminal at the world’s third busiest port. Hutchison, which operates four of Hong Kong’s nine terminals, has distanced itself from the dispute, and said operations are continuing but that truck flow in and out of the terminal has been hampered.
Brian Conrad, executive administrator of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement, said the strike “could have a significant impact, but I’m pretty sure the government of Hong Kong will be looking at that very carefully. They are very very aware of the competitive situation with Hong Kong – they look at Shenzen, they look at Singapore. I think they will do what they can to avoid difficulties.” – Eric Johnson and Chris Dupin
Strike at Hong Kong terminal stretches into second week
