HONG KONG: The firemen's union has pledged to forestall job action to support its demands, at least until the submission of the grade structure review report to the Chief Executive-in-Council. That's supposed to happen in September or October.

"My colleagues and I will not endanger the public or strike against the government in order to achieve our goal as this is a selfish act," said Chiu Sin-chung, chairman of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Staff General Association.

Chiu made the promise after spending the previous two days hearing the views of union representatives for some 5,000 fire service workers.

The union, he said, understood that it would create a public nuisance and cause distress to the community if firemen staged a job action, because it's their job to save lives and protect property.

Chiu also apologized for any anxiety members of the public may have felt toward threats raised by the firemen in the recent past.

Chiu appealed to Secretary for Civil Service Denise Yue Chung-yee to handle the union's appeal in a balanced manner.

He said he hoped the secretary will give a fair hearing to the demands of staff and formulate recommendations on the grade structure review based on facts.

In answer to Yue's rejoinder on the government's stance toward certain disciplinary forces, Chiu agreed with Yue that Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen would not likely favor one particular service.

"We believe that he (Tsang) is not willing to see disciplined services at loggerheads with each other," he said. "We'd like to make our presentations on the negotiation table."

The union reiterated its demands for a reduction in working hours from 54 hours to 48 hours per week and for a dangerous duties allowance for fire fighters.

Chiu said members rejected a government counter-proposal that working hours be reduced but that staff must also agree to maintain the current standard of service without additional manpower or financial resources.

"It is unacceptable. The conditions are threatening the citizens' lives," he said, adding it is also absolutely unreasonable to offer only HK$61.8 hourly pay for firemen.

He said the firemen would accept pay raises as an alternative to a reduction in working hours.

The grade structure review report suggested an allowance equivalent to 5 percent of the lowest point of the pay scale. The union demanded 7.5 percent, based on the job requirements of fire services.

Chiu said the administration must explain clearly if it does not accept the union's appeal.

During consultations Tuesday and yesterday, the union discussed possible action if the administration ignores the demands of union members by the time the grade structure review report is submitted.

However, Chiu refused to discuss the union's plans, saying to do so would suggest the union was making threats.

The union will decide its next step after assessing whether the administration's recommendation is reasonable and acceptable, he said.

(HK Edition 08/13/2009 page1)