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Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session given by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joseph W P Wong, today (August 6) on the action taken by lifeguards of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department:

Secretary: The director of the department (Leisure and Cultural Services Department) has reported to me the latest situation in respect of the action taken by the lifeguards. I just want to make three specific points.

The first point is, I understand that the salaries which the department paid to the lifeguards are above the private sector's. The contracts for this year have been signed with the full agreement on both sides. So, irrespective of what action some of the lifeguards would take to disrupt the service to the public, the Government will absolutely not alter the terms of these contracts and adjust the salaries of lifeguards.

The second point I want to make is that, I notice from all the press reports, commentaries and feedback from the general public that there is no support for the action taken by the lifeguards. It is the responsibility of every government employee to stay on the job and serve the public. And this is what the Government expects them to do and this is what the public would expect them to do. Therefore I would like all the lifeguards to understand this very clearly and to resume their work as soon as possible. I should add that the department is willing and continues to be willing to discuss with the lifeguards any matters concerning future manpower deployment or the terms of future contracts.

Reporter: Is there any penalty ......?

Secretary: We, of course, respect the right of employees and workers to take industrial action within the confines of the law. We have no intention to institute any disciplinary action against those who take part in industrial action. But in so far, some of the employees do not work on particular days, obviously, we will have to consider whether during their absence from work, the Government should take certain administrative action such as not to pay salaries in respect of those days or periods where they are absent from duty without authority from the Government.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)

Ends/Friday, August 6, 2004

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