Hong Kong civil service chief vows ‘attractive’ pay rise once economy improves
Ingrid Yeung stresses prudent use of public money after some lawmakers say flat 2 per cent pay rise falls short of pay trends, union demands
Hong Kong’s civil service chief has pledged to deliver a “reasonable and attractive” pay adjustment once the economy and public finances improve, following the legislature’s approval of a flat 2 per cent pay rise for civil servants this year.
The Legislative Council’s finance committee on Friday scrutinised HK$6 billion (US$765 million) in spending for the annual pay adjustment for civil servants and associated provisions for subvented organisations, after an earlier decision by the city’s top decision-making Executive Council.
Several lawmakers criticised the increase, which took effect retroactively from April, saying it fell short of the pay trend survey’s recommendation and the unions’ demands.
The survey released last month proposed increases of 4.12 per cent for senior civil servants, 2.64 per cent for middle-ranking staff and 1.17 per cent for junior employees.
Lawmaker Aaron Bok Kwok-ming said the adjustment lagged cumulative inflation, voicing concern that it would damage the civil service’s attractiveness.
“The pay adjustment affects not only the civil servants but also teachers, social workers, and employees of subvented organisations,” Bok said. “Suppressing the pay rise will dampen domestic demand and ultimately harm the local economy.”