Democrat wants law on 44-hour working week

His bill would avoid the more controversial issue of setting a minimum wage

Legislator Andrew Cheng Kar-foo is preparing to submit a bill that would set the maximum working week at 44 hours - an attempt to speed up the passage of legislation to bring in the controversial measure.

Under the Democratic Party lawmaker's proposal, the regulated maximum working week would exclude meal-time and other breaks. The 44-hour limit would equate to five eight-hour workdays and a half day on Saturdays.

The bill would require overtime pay of 125 per cent of hourly basic rates for employees who work more than 44 hours a week. It does not touch on the issue of a minimum wage because the issue was still too controversial, Mr Cheng said. 'Being hard-working may be a virtue, but it can also lead to fatigue and damage one's family and social life.'

Mr Cheng hopes to meet acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen this month to get his written consent for tabling of the bill. The chief executive's consent is required before a private member's bill concerning government policy can be brought before the Legislative Council.

Mr Cheng said he was hoping to propose the bill in October.

During a debate with lawmakers on Thursday, Mr Tsang acknowledged that it could be unhealthy to work very long hours, but did not take a position on setting maximum working hours.