MORE than 30,000 watchmen will lose their jobs if a proposed law is passed by the Legislative Council.
The number affected could have been higher but for a concession to the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance, which will allow watchmen over 65 - who were facing a ban - to work at single residential buildings.
Legislator Lee Cheuk-yan said: 'This motion will cost many old watchmen their jobs immediately.' He said a watchman's working ability and health should be considered, but age should not be a factor.
Hon Kam-cheong has worked in a bank as a security guard for about seven years. He earns more than many of his colleagues - $4,500 a month - but if the ordinance is passed, he will have to retire.
Many watchmen work 12-hour shifts for a base salary of just $2,000 a month, but bonuses can boost their pay to $4,000 a month. Watchmen say the low basic pay protects employers from making large termination payouts.
'It is not fair. I am 70 years old but I am still very healthy,' Mr Hon said.
'I will not do other jobs. I do not want to guard residential buildings.' He said the pay for guarding such buildings was much lower.
