Hong Kong government working hours plan slammed in Legislative Council
Staff representatives call for standardised working hours, while employers express fears such a move would hurt business
The government faced a barrage of criticism on Tuesday over its plan to implement working hours by contract for low-income employees only instead of adopting an across-the-board approach.
Concern Group for Outsourced Works in New Territories representative Lee Wing-sze warned that employers would add overtime hours into contracts.
“Contract working hours and standard working hours are not the same. The government is reneging on its promise,” she said.
Contract working hours and standard working hours are not the same
Kwok Yuen-yee, who works in the retail sector, rejected contract working hours, calling instead for standard working hours because those who worked for a minimum wage would continue to work long hours – fewer hours worked would only mean less pay for them.