Federation softens its approach to voluntary code
The tug of war over a minimum wage law appeared to take a new twist yesterday as a government-friendly labour union said it would not oppose a non-binding charter.
With the policy speech just two days away, Federation of Trade Unions legislator Chan Yuen-han said she was prepared to reconsider her position as long as a clear timetable for eventual legislation could be provided.
The largest trade union has been pushing for a minimum wage law, saying the proposal put forward by business groups for a voluntary charter would not work.
'If there is a clear legislative timetable, I would reconsider. The tug of war has been going on for so long. It would be a breakthrough,' she said.
Union president Cheng Yiu-tong, who is a member of Mr Tsang's cabinet, said legislation could be implemented if the non-binding charter proved ineffective.
The executive councillor's remarks fuelled speculation that Mr Tsang may opt for the charter approach in his policy speech, without ruling out a legislative timetable.