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Hong Kong politics
OpinionLetters

Letters | There is a reason employers object to the civil service pay rise

  • Readers discuss why private sector representatives turn public sentiment against civil service pay rises, and why the government should raise the minimum wage

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Workers cross a road in Central on March 30. When HR experts and employers’ representatives object to a civil service pay rise, whose side are they really on? Photo: Felix Wong
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Almost every year, when the pay trend survey is released suggesting a pay rise for the civil service, human resources experts and employers’ representatives make a lot of noise criticising the findings, the proposed increases, and the validity of the survey methodology – as if they were speaking for the general public, seeking fairness for them and helping to save their tax money. The public needs to look carefully at these critics and what their agenda is.

It is obvious that some employers would prefer not to acknowledge the pay rise suggestion, because that would raise expectations among employees which not all employers would like to meet. And on whose side do the HR experts stand? Is the HR manager’s job to help staff fight for a higher pay rise? Or is it to help the company get the best workers for the cheapest price, to increase profits? Would it also be the HR manager’s role to help the company implement lay-offs to cut costs when it wants to?

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The public, comprising mostly employees, should bear this in mind when HR experts are attempting to divide the civil service and the public over pay trends and turn public sentiment against civil service pay rises.

I do, however, agree that the survey methodology is flawed. It is unfair and improper to compare civil service pay and private sector pay. There are many smart ways for companies to compensate their employees with benefits that are not recorded as wages, such as fancy gifts, staff discounts and medical insurance. Yes, these are difficult times, when employees in the private sector might be laid off or have their income drastically cut.
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Is it fair to expect civil servants to absorb the damage? Is it wrong for the government to be a responsible employer and provide stability for its employees?

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