If a minimum wage law were implemented, how much might we expect to earn? Minimum wage levels around the world could give us some hints. The table shows several developed economies for comparison: using the annual GDP per person of each divided by its minimum wage gives a benchmark percentage. If Hong Kong fell into line with the lowest, the US, we could expect a minimum wage of about $35 an hour. The highest, Belgium, would give $85 an hour. An hourly rate as high as $85 or even only $31 might be alarming to the local business sector but good news to employees: the average hourly wage at a local McDonald's restaurant is as low as $18. Two legislators with the Federation of Trade Unions last month proposed setting the minimum wage at $25 after consulting members. The Confederation of Trade Unions proposed four years ago setting the wage at $35, but vice-president Tam Wai-to said they would not insist on that amount and would evaluate the figure by the end of this year.
