Employers won't cite downturn to delay law setting pay floor
Employers have promised the gloomy economic outlook will not be used as an excuse to delay the introduction of a statutory minimum wage.
The vice-chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Ho Sai-chu, who is also an employers' representative on the Labour Advisory Board, yesterday said bosses did not want to be accused of obstructing the proposed legislation.
Mr Ho said employers accepted the government would draw up the law, which they expected to be announced in the policy address on October 15, but they had urged the government to be cautious.
'It would be easier to introduce the statutory minimum wage when the economy is good, as employers might find it easier to accept and can afford the extra costs on manpower. But employers will be more worried now, as business will not be good.'
Despite the downturn, he said: 'We will not take the opportunity or use it as an excuse to delay legislative work on the proposed statutory minimum wage.'