$2m donation will not affect claims against contractor
More than 600 workers locked in a dispute over unpaid wages with subcontractors hired by government contractor Dickson Construction received cheques for $3,200 each yesterday, thanks to a $2 million private donation.
The money came as timely Easter present for the workers, some of whom have not been paid for 11 months, according to the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union.
A total of 619 workers received cheques at the union's office in Mongkok yesterday.
Union spokesman Fung Kin-chor said workers were encouraged by the gesture.
'$3,200 each might not sound very much but would be a big gift to the affected workers. Some have had to borrow money from friends for their living expenses, others are facing eviction because they have no money to pay rent,' said Mr Fung.