Hong Kong leader warns against ‘drastic action’ by taxi union threatening strike

John Lee says possibility of strike being ‘hijacked’ by people with ‘ulterior motives’; advisory body to meet taxi and ride-hailing sectors

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Taxis in the queue to pick up passengers outside Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 12:37pm, 18 Feb 2025Updated: 12:49pm, 21 Feb 2025

Hong Kong’s leader warned on Tuesday that any drastic action by taxi drivers would not gain the public’s support as he raised the possibility that a strike proposed by a major union could be “hijacked” by those with ulterior motives.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the remarks a day before a strike deadline set by an influential taxi union. Lee also revealed that the government’s Transport Advisory Committee would meet representatives from the taxi sector and ride-hailing platforms on Wednesday.

“Any drastic action is not going to solve problems,” Lee said. “Drastic action may also hurt the interests of normal residents in their [daily lives], it is not going to receive public support,” he said.

“Also there is a potential that the issue may change its nature and … be hijacked by some people with ulterior motives. That won’t be in the interest of society and residents, and will not get public support.”

City leader John Lee has said “drastic action” by taxi drivers “may also hurt the interests of normal residents”. Photo: Elson Li

The Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association last week threatened to go on strike for five days from March 5 if authorities did not respond positively by Wednesday to its demand to crack down on ride-hailing services.