A union representing aviation staff staged a petition outside the government headquarters on Tuesday, opposing the government’s latest plan to import workers.

The administration announced last week that it intends to bring in 20,000 non-local construction and transport workers – including 6,300 airport staff – to solve a manpower crunch.

But the Staffs and Workers Union of Hong Kong Civil Airlines said the shortage can be addressed locally, as long as firms are willing to improve the pay and welfare for local staff.

The union’s president, Li Wing-foo, pointed out that if companies are allowed to hire outside workers, companies won’t have the incentive to treat their staff better.

"The government said more flights could be allowed after importing non-local labour. But can this improve local workers' welfare and increase their salary?" Li questioned.

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Bill Tang, meanwhile, said the government has a role to play in helping to retain local staff and attracting young talent to join the industry.

"Why is it not easy to recruit local staff to work at the airport? The main problem is the expensive transportation fee, and the problem has not been solved," he said.

Tang urged officials to consider offering airport staff transport subsidies or arrange dedicated transport for them.

Separately, the Motor Transport Workers General Union urged the government to set up a task force to ensure transport operators won’t hire non-local workers only.

Up to 1,700 minibus and coach drivers will be recruited from outside the city, and the union said more needs to be done to protect the rights of local drivers.