Wishing upon a star? Chinese factory workers protest at Hong Kong Disneyland over owed wages

Mainland workers who manufactured dolls for Disney's Tokyo theme park protested alongside local supporters at Hong Kong Disneyland yesterday morning over outstanding severance and social security pay.

Lawmaker and lawyer James To Kun-sun said mainland labour disputes being brought down to Hong Kong are a common occurrence, given the mainland's "oppressive" system regarding workers rights' and the city's traditions of a free press and free speech.

"When it comes to injustices committed in the mainland, many come to Hong Kong. Not just factory worker disputes, but business, trade disputes also are often brought down to Hong Kong - not because they are seeking a legal resolution here, but because it is a free place to express grievances," he said.

"This is actually Hong Kong's advantage and edge. We have a relatively free flow of information." To added that, "where news travels, it's additional leverage", drawing a contrast with the mainland where "no word can get out [about such disputes]."

DC Labour Rights, a local human rights group composed of a dozen Discovery College students, was present to support the protesting workers.

The three workers - representing 196 employees with Mizutani Toys' factory in Guangdong - were in Hong Kong hoping that Disney could step in and help them recover a total of RMB$9.5 million in outstanding severance pay as well as social security and insurance, which were taken out of their monthly wages but not given back when the factory suddenly shuttered in June.