Transport unionists on Thursday spoke out against a decision by Citybus to import 20 drivers from the mainland, saying they are worried that more will come in the future and affect the jobs of local drivers.

Citybus said the first five of the 20 approved bus captains who arrive here next month will take a driving test before they’re allowed to start work, adding that they will only work on non-franchised routes, such as services for employees and tourists.

But the Motor Transport Workers General Union said it is worried that this is just the beginning, and that Citybus will bring in more non-local workers to operate on franchised routes down the line.

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Michael Luk, meanwhile, noted that the hourly salary of a mainland bus captain is slightly lower than that of a local, and expressed worries that local drivers may get a pay cut in future.

Leung Nuen-yui from the union's Citybus section said the company should offer better remuneration packages for local recruits before importing drivers.

"There are new recruits, but not many of them stay in the company. This shows that there are issues with the pay, welfare, shift arrangements, working location and hours. I hope the company will solve these problems before looking into other solutions," he said.

The group added that it is arranging a meeting with Citybus and the authorities, and it does not wish to resort to taking industrial action.

Citybus, for its part, said it prioritises local workers and offers a bonus exclusively to new local employees.

The Transport Department also said in response that it has taken into account the welfare of local drivers before allowing Citybus to import drivers.

In a statement, it said the bus operator has proven that it was not able to hire suitable local drivers, adding that these imported drivers are not allowed to run franchised routes.