ABOUT 300 protesters took to the streets yesterday calling for more job protection, while the Government and unionists celebrated the first official holiday on Labour Day. Acting Chief Executive Anson Chan Fang On-sang urged employers and workers to improve communication and understanding to overcome the economic difficulties. Speaking at the Labour Day reception last night, Mrs Chan said the employer-employee relationship was under strain as workers faced threats of pay cuts and lay-offs. She said the Government would take measures to alleviate the unemployment pressure on workers. The reception held at Government House was attended by employers' representatives, legislators and labour advisory bodies, but unionist legislators Lee Cheuk-yan and Lau Chin-shek boycotted the celebration. In the afternoon, chanting protesters marched from Victoria Park to the Central Government Offices. Mr Lee, of the Confederation of Trade Unions which organised the rally, said workers' rights had been damaged in a wave of pay cuts and lay-offs. He urged the Government to introduce legislation on a minimum wage and on collective bargaining rights.
