Most people understand that an economic downturn affects everybody in Hong Kong.
However, the proposal to cut by 20 per cent the wages of foreign domestic helpers is clearly unjust, especially as they are already the lowest-paid workers in the SAR.
Most domestic helpers work 12 to 16 hours a day under often very difficult conditions. Their average hourly rate of about $6 is a pittance when you consider the range of tasks that helpers are forced to perform.
Some helpers are made to work in the homes of their employers' relatives and in factories and restaurants without being compensated.
It would be unfair to those helpers who have an existing contract with a guaranteed minimum wage of $3,860 to be included in the wage cut.
They have a contract and legally it should not be altered. They may be forced to go to court to protect their rights.
