Their new assertiveness may reflect a labour law introduced in January 2008, which gave workers more contractual rights.

ECONOMIST: China's labour market

Workers said unless contractual rights established under previous operator Connex were reinstated, further industrial action would be taken.

BBC: Passengers boarding a Jersey bus

Workers have been emboldened by a law introduced in January 2008 aimed at strengthening their contractual rights.

ECONOMIST: Unions in China