Democrats greet Labour Day with rights call
The Democratic Party took to the streets yesterday on the eve of Labour Day, vowing to revive laws on collective bargaining and to fight for better labour protection.
During a rally, the party also promised workers its legislators would call for laws allowing a 30-minute break after five successive hours of work.
The campaign coincided with the SAR's first Labour Day holiday today.
It was made a public holiday last year and replaces the holiday for the day after National Day on October 2.
Rally organiser Wong Siu-kau said: 'Labour Day is not only an ordinary day off. It is also a day to arouse public awareness of labour rights.' The group travelled from Shamshuipo to Central via Kwun Tong, distributing leaflets on labour rights to passers-by.
Members of the April 5th Action Group also petitioned the Xinhua offices in Happy Valley, demanding that mainland authorities allow workers to form parties.
The Government's second Employment and Guidance Centre for New Arrivals opened yesterday in Mongkok. New migrants will be provided with information on job interviews, retraining opportunities and employees' rights.
