No blanket approach, Hong Kong head of standard working hours body pledges
But influential labour union claims initial findings lack regulatory specifics
Standardising working hours by law for everyone will not be included in a list of policy directions tabled for consultation, according to a preliminary conclusion by a government-appointed body that appears to have succumbed to pressure from employers.
The committee’s chairman, Dr Leong Che-hung, yesterday presented results of the first stage of consultation and laid down four principles: the use of laws to regulate working hours; a belief that “across-the-board” laws would be inappropriate because of different job natures; the use of laws to mandate employment contracts stating working hours; and exploring ways to protect those on low incomes with few skills and poor bargaining power.
The committee presented a scenario to show that if standardised hours, ranging from 44 to 52 hours a week, were implemented with compensation for overtime, business costs would rise, resulting in job losses.
Further public feedback will be gathered until July 24 before deciding on the next step.