Editorial | Needs of lowest paid should be recognised
- If those on a minimum wage are denied a rise on account of the current economic slump, their case should be addressed as soon as the situation improves
Many are still in work, despite the Covid-19-induced recession, because of government support for employers or sacrifices such as taking leave without pay. So it is no time to be expecting a pay rise.
If there is any exception, it would have to be those on the minimum wage, mostly the cleaners and security workers we cannot do without. There are about 20,000 of them, or 0.7 per cent of a workforce of 3.5 million. They earn HK$37.50 an hour. They are due for a two-yearly adjustment, if any, next year.
Their representatives in the Minimum Wage Commission are asking for HK$39. Employer representatives say this would be the straw that broke the camel’s back for many businesses struggling to stay afloat. They want a freeze or at most a 50 HK cents rise.
These are the worst of times. But even in better times employers’ and workers’ representatives find it difficult to reconcile their positions. The government will have to make the final decision.
Both sides are applying pressure. Workers’ representatives say a HK$1.50 rise for 20,000 or so workers across the economy would hardly break the bank. Employers remain concerned about capacity to pay and likely demands for a flow-on to those paid a little more than the minimum.