Civil service union formed during Hong Kong protests becomes first to disband in response to oath-taking rule

Union for New Civil Servants chairman Michael Ngan says move is necessary but has been taken with reluctance

Civil Service Bureau on Friday asked all employees hired before July 1 last year to make the pledge by mid February

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Michael Ngan came to the public’s attention in the summer of 2019. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 1:54am, 17 Jan 2021Updated: 11:24am, 17 Jan 2021

A civil servants’ union formed during the 2019 anti-government protests in Hong Kong has become the first to disband since it became a requirement for public sector workers to pledge allegiance to the city and its mini-constitution.

Union for New Civil Servants chairman Michael Ngan Mo-chau announced the move in a Facebook post late on Saturday night and said the disbandment was in response to the oath-taking requirement which could result in some members having to leave the government.

The Civil Service Bureau on Friday asked all employees hired before July 1 last year to make the pledge by mid February. The government earlier made it mandatory for those who joined from July 1 to sign a declaration pledging allegiance. Those who refuse to sign could be asked to leave their posts.

Civil servants held a rally against the extradition bill in August 2019. Photo: Felix Wong

“According to what the government has said, it is expected that officers of the union might not be able to remain in the government, meaning they will also not be qualified to be union members and officers,” Ngan said.

“Therefore, we must make use of the remaining time to handle members’ information and resources to ensure they are properly managed.

“On the other hand, in view of a possible situation of insufficient officers, to protect members’ information, disbanding the union is a reluctant but necessary action.”