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Letters | Hong Kong must pass a law on working hours to stop the exploitation of labour
There has been much concern voiced lately over the excessive working hours of Hong Kong employees, especially those in the lower pay brackets and in sectors such as security, food and drink, land transport, construction and retail services (“1 in 5 Hong Kong employees ‘works an average of 55 hours per week’”, April 14). Twenty per cent of workers in general put in at least 55 hours a week, or more than 70 if they are security guards, a recent survey by trade unions found.
Hong Kong is an expensive city, and everyone wants to earn a higher salary to improve their living standards. So they work ever longer hours. That is one of the reasons behind the gruelling workweeks. Another is the work culture in Asian societies, including Hong Kong and mainland China. This is so even though health experts have warned of the negative effects on physical and mental health, as well as work efficiency.
However, a key reason for this overwork is labour exploitation. A very low salary means employees must work for very long hours to take home better wages. We have a statutory minimum wage, to be raised to HK$37.50 an hour on Labour Day. Even though it is about HK$20 less than that required to ensure a basic standard of living, at least the rate is being reviewed regularly.
Therefore, regarding excessive working hours, legislation would be a first step to addressing the issue. I support trade unions’ calls for a law on standard working hours – limiting a work week to 44 hours as they have urged – to protect employee rights and secure work-life balance. The government has only pledged to introduce working hours guidelines for 11 industries, but a law should make it binding on all sectors.
Joyce Lam, Kwun Tong
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