Mechanics, merchants miffed over motorcycle ban
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-04-23 00:05

Although motorcycles will not be thoroughly banned until the end of 2006, the shock, unprecedented in the city, will be felt by not only the 317,000-plus registered motorcycle owners in Guangzhou, but also employees in the motorcycle manufacturing and service sectors.

Tens of thousands of workers in the sectors may lose jobs, although exact figures are unavailable. Registered motorcycles in Guangzhou number some 320,000, more than in any other single city in the country.

Motorcycles are blamed for polluting the air and contributing to worsening traffic disorder, and are thus being banned.

Earlier this month, the local government announced that motorcycle owners will be compensated. However, no compensation has been promised by the government to those employed in motorcycle-related businesses.

"I cannot turn to the residents' committee for help. I do not know what I can do once I lose the job," said Zeng Wei, a 40-year-old motorcycle mechanic who has worked in the industry for nearly 10 years.

Zeng moved from Central China's Hunan Province to Huangqi Township in Foshan, a city bordering Guangzhou, with his wife and son 10 years ago.

Although he has lived in the township for so many years, his registered permanent residence still remains in his hometown in Hunan Province.

The Guangzhou Bureau of Labour and Social Security Director Zhang Jieming told China Daily that the compensation for unemployed motorcycle workers was according to unemployment insurance rules.

But he said most motorcycle drivers and mechanics are not normal employed workers, but rather migrants in suburban districts of Guangzhou or temporary workers from other provinces.

Most of them have not been insured against unemployment, nor been registered by residents' committees.

Motorcycle companies and manufacturers are also facing a significant challenge.

An official from the publicity department under the Guangzhou Motors Group Company said the firm had to make major adjustments to deal with the ban.

Most vehicle shops in the streets of Guangzhou used to deal heavily in motorcycles, but now only in cars.

It is difficult to find a motorcycle garage or parts shop.

Owners said that business had worsened since several years ago. This has led many local business people to turn to other areas.

Close