https://www.scmp.com/rss/325602/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Resty Woro Yuniar Resty Woro Yuniar Indonesia’s new legislation to protect domestic helpers has been hailed by rights groups as the beginning of a “new chapter” for millions – though they warn that the road to change remains long and winding. On April 21, Indonesia’s House of Representatives passed the domestic worker protection bill into law, 22 years since it was first proposed. The legislation “provides legal certainty, protects workers from various forms of unfair treatment, and encourages improvements in the skills and... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3351861/rights-groups-hail-indonesias-new-chapter-domestic-workers-warn-long-road-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3351861/rights-groups-hail-indonesias-new-chapter-domestic-workers-warn-long-road-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:46:30 +0000 Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun The head of a civil service union federation in Hong Kong has warned that tighter disciplinary action risks becoming excessive as the government seeks to revise the penalty system to handle underperforming employees this year. Leung Chau-ting, chairman of the Federation of Civil Service Unions, was responding to the Civil Service Bureau’s plan to revise the regulations to further improve the disciplinary mechanism, including tightening rules on withholding salaries during suspensions and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349736/tighter-civil-service-disciplinary-rules-risk-becoming-excessive-union-head?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349736/tighter-civil-service-disciplinary-rules-risk-becoming-excessive-union-head?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:09:46 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Several major Chinese banks have clawed back staff bonuses or cut salaries amid a sluggish economic recovery and Beijing’s ongoing scrutiny of the financial sector. In their annual reports, an increasing number of lenders, ranging from state-owned institutions to commercial banks, are disclosing the amount of performance-based compensation reclaimed from their employees last year. State-owned Bank of China recovered 47.18 million yuan (US$6.9 million) from 4,630 individuals in 2025, according to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3349497/more-chinese-banks-claw-back-bonuses-cut-salaries-despite-mixed-profit-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3349497/more-chinese-banks-claw-back-bonuses-cut-salaries-despite-mixed-profit-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:00:43 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Living on the minimum wage can be challenging in a city known for its notoriously high cost of living. Even though the statutory wage floor is meant to be a safety net for the lowest paid workers, many of them still face financial hardship, so much so that they may have to scale back on food and other expenses or work multiple jobs to survive. Their plight is often not appreciated by people who are well above the breadline. Whether a 2.38 per cent pay rise makes a decent offer in the current... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3343980/minimum-wage-rises-must-not-leave-behind-hong-kongs-most-vulnerable?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3343980/minimum-wage-rises-must-not-leave-behind-hong-kongs-most-vulnerable?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s lowest-paid workers are set to receive a pay rise of HK$1 per hour, from the current HK$42.10 (US$5.40) to HK$43.10, as recommended by the government’s top decision-making body, with the new rate expected to come into force as early as May. The government announced on Tuesday that the Executive Council had adopted the proposal from the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC), which had suggested the 2.38 per cent increase. The amendment will be tabled in the legislature on February 25. Subject... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343063/hong-kongs-minimum-wage-set-rise-hk1-hour-hk4310?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343063/hong-kongs-minimum-wage-set-rise-hk1-hour-hk4310?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:24:43 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Competition in the Hong Kong labour market intensified in the past year with applications per job advertisement surging by nearly 60 per cent, even as AI eliminated some positions, according to a popular online employment marketplace. Jobsdb Hong Kong revealed on Monday that the average number of applications per advertisement on the platform rose 58 per cent year on year in 2025. Competition was even keener for frontline positions, where applications per advertisement increased 78 per cent over... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340402/60-more-applicants-job-hong-kong-2025-amid-ai-takeover-roles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340402/60-more-applicants-job-hong-kong-2025-amid-ai-takeover-roles?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:21:45 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu As China rapidly ages, the senior-care sector is poised to become a significant source of job creation. Yet, enthusiasm among the nation’s young workforce remains lukewarm. The care-services industry, including care for elderly residents, is projected to generate millions of jobs and become a driver of household consumption in the years to come, as national demographics shift towards an older population, according to He Dan, director of the China Population and Development Research Centre under... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3333979/chinas-senior-care-sector-promising-job-growth-clashes-young-workers-reluctance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3333979/chinas-senior-care-sector-promising-job-growth-clashes-young-workers-reluctance?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:30:09 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong employees received an average pay rise of 2.7 per cent this year, the lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic, as companies balanced staff retention with an uncertain operating environment influenced by geopolitical tensions, a survey has found. The study, conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM), also forecast that salaries could increase by an average of 3.5 per cent next year, with most employers still undecided about whether to raise wages. Gathering... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328931/hong-kong-employees-receive-lowest-pay-rise-covid-19-pandemic-27-study?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328931/hong-kong-employees-receive-lowest-pay-rise-covid-19-pandemic-27-study?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:01:36 +0000 Jean Iau Jean Iau Wages in Singapore grew by 4.3 per cent this year, the lowest in Southeast Asia, but slightly higher than the 3.9 per cent rate in Hong Kong, a study has found. Professional services firm Aon released its annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey on Wednesday, based on data collected from more than 700 companies in the region including Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The study found that the average percentage growth across the region was 5.4, with Vietnam having the highest percentage... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3328266/singapore-2025-wage-growth-lowest-southeast-asia-edges-out-hong-kong-study?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3328266/singapore-2025-wage-growth-lowest-southeast-asia-edges-out-hong-kong-study?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:21:07 +0000 CNA CNA Singapore’s teachers are working some of the longest hours in the world and are shouldering higher levels of work-related stress than their peers in other developed nations, a major international study has found. The OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), conducted every five years, is the world’s largest comparative survey of teachers and school leaders. Last year, TALIS canvassed 55 education systems, including 3,500 lower secondary teachers across all 145 public secondary... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3328089/singapores-teachers-are-stressed-out-and-overworked-study-finds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3328089/singapores-teachers-are-stressed-out-and-overworked-study-finds?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:44:19 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong The average monthly salary offered to domestic helpers in Hong Kong has increased by 7.9 per cent to HK$5,722 (US$735) compared with the previous year, according to a survey by a local recruitment platform. HelperChoice, which released the survey findings on Monday, said that the upwards trend in wages reflected a growing willingness among employers to offer competitive salaries to hire experienced helpers, particularly those already based in Hong Kong. “In 2025, we’re seeing a noticeable shift... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327353/domestic-helpers-average-monthly-pay-rises-79-hk5722-2025-hong-kong-survey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327353/domestic-helpers-average-monthly-pay-rises-79-hk5722-2025-hong-kong-survey?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:24:31 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Nepali-Hongkonger Gurung has been on the job market for four months and feels he is hitting a dead end. He has been in Hong Kong for more than three decades, but this is his worst stretch of being unemployed, the fifty-something said. After losing his construction job in June this year, Gurung, who uses his surname as the name by which his friends address him, found himself competing in a market where he felt increasingly disadvantaged. At his last project at the airport earlier this year, he... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327292/why-hong-kongs-tightened-imported-labour-rules-still-rankle-local-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327292/why-hong-kongs-tightened-imported-labour-rules-still-rankle-local-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:30:09 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg UK companies are becoming less forthcoming about what they’re willing to pay to fill open roles, indicating that employers are no longer under pressure to boost wages in a weakening labour market. Only 56 per cent of online job postings included wage information in August, data from the employment site Indeed showed. That is a decline of almost 10 percentage points since the start of this year and the lowest share since early 2022, when more employers started advertising salaries in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3327176/uk-employers-stop-advertising-starting-salaries-job-market-cools?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3327176/uk-employers-stop-advertising-starting-salaries-job-market-cools?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 01:01:31 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Preschool teachers work a median of 55 hours per week in Hong Kong, 12 hours more than the figure for other workers, with nearly 60 per cent wanting to quit because of exhaustion and relatively low salaries, a survey has found. The Education University of Hong Kong, which carried out the survey, called on the government to re-examine kindergarten teachers’ working conditions and welfare benefits, review a pay scale suggested by authorities to recognise the profession, and consider making it... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3324241/hong-kongs-overworked-preschool-teachers-clock-median-55-hours-week-survey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3324241/hong-kongs-overworked-preschool-teachers-clock-median-55-hours-week-survey?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:30:12 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Hong Kong is more competitive in attracting foreign domestic helpers than Singapore and Taiwan, especially in terms of pay and legal protection, but weakened demand in the city may drive new migrant workers to seek opportunities in other markets, industry insiders have said. The comparison came after migrant workers’ groups called for a 30 per cent pay rise for helpers in the city to HK$6,500 (US$828) a month and for their food subsidy to be doubled to HK$2,700. The groups also blamed current... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3320999/hong-kong-beating-singapore-taiwan-attracting-foreign-domestic-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3320999/hong-kong-beating-singapore-taiwan-attracting-foreign-domestic-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:30:06 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu The average annual salary of university graduates in Hong Kong jumped 4.8 per cent to HK$329,000 (US$42,180) last year, with social science degree holders performing the best among all disciplines in terms of pay increments. Graduates of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) enjoyed the highest pay, with their average annual salary rising above HK$400,000 for the first time. The University Grants Committee, a government advisory body that allocates funding for higher education institutions, on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3320971/graduate-pay-rises-48-hong-kong-average-who-earned-most?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3320971/graduate-pay-rises-48-hong-kong-average-who-earned-most?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:14:13 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin A Hong Kong employers’ group has called for freezing the minimum salaries of foreign domestic helpers given the economic slowdown, after some unions representing the workers asked for up to a 30 per cent pay rise to HK$6,500 (US$833) a month. Yung Ma Shan-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, said on Monday that such a higher base rate would only lead to fewer job opportunities for the workers. “We don’t support such an increase in the minimum wage... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3320727/hong-kong-employers-group-urges-domestic-helper-wage-freeze-citing-poor-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3320727/hong-kong-employers-group-urges-domestic-helper-wage-freeze-citing-poor-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:26:55 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung A coalition of domestic worker unions has demanded an immediate 30 per cent pay rise for Hong Kong’s 370,000 helpers to HK$6,500 (US$833) a month and for their food subsidy to be doubled. The Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions on Sunday blamed current government policy for having left many helpers in a “hungry and malnourished” condition. Federation representatives raised the demands at a meeting with Labour Department officials. “The value of our work and our contribution to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3320609/groups-seek-30-pay-rise-hong-kong-domestic-helpers-hk6500-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3320609/groups-seek-30-pay-rise-hong-kong-domestic-helpers-hk6500-month?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Aug 2025 15:31:52 +0000 Luna Sun,He Huifeng Luna Sun,He Huifeng This is the final story in a three-part series exploring the domestic economic challenges China faces as it navigates an unprecedented trade war with the United States. In this piece, we explore the country’s cloudy employment outlook for workers across all sectors, and how truck drivers and high-powered lawyers alike are learning to adjust their expectations. When his chemical company laid off a third of its team, Liang Wang felt a mix of emotions: relief that he was not among them, but dread... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3317748/why-chinas-white-and-blue-collar-workers-are-worried-about-losing-their-shirts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3317748/why-chinas-white-and-blue-collar-workers-are-worried-about-losing-their-shirts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:00:12 +0000 Fiona Sun,Joshua Kwok,Oscar Liu Fiona Sun,Joshua Kwok,Oscar Liu Hong Kong bakery chain Taipan Bread & Cakes, which invented “snow skin” mooncakes, has closed all of its branches after 41 years in business, with authorities estimating it owes at least HK$16 million (US$2 million) in unpaid wages and severance pay. The Labour Department said on Tuesday that it had helped about 120 employees register claims as of 3pm, primarily involving outstanding wages and severance payments, with the total amount reaching about HK$16 million. Secretary for Labour and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3315561/hong-kong-bakery-chain-taipan-creator-snowy-mooncakes-closes-after-41-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3315561/hong-kong-bakery-chain-taipan-creator-snowy-mooncakes-closes-after-41-years?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:20:37 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong The founders of the now-closed Physical fitness chain have been fined HK$12,000 (US$1,530) each for failing to pay salaries to two coaches, with the defendants’ lawyer saying they had exhausted every payment option after mortgaging all their properties. Eastern Court on Friday recorded guilty pleas from a lawyer representing Luk Ngai-keung and his wife, Ho Yuk-wah, on eight wage default charges under the Employment Ordinance. The couple, who were absent from the hearing, were also required to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3315183/hong-kongs-physical-gym-founders-fined-hk24000-unpaid-wages-2-coaches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3315183/hong-kongs-physical-gym-founders-fined-hk24000-unpaid-wages-2-coaches?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:27:16 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The tax filing season in Hong Kong is in full swing, with June 2 marking the deadline for most individuals. Tax audits have come under scrutiny recently after at least 20 journalists raised concerns about “unreasonable” reviews targeting them and their families. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Commissioner dismissed these claims, stressing that assessment procedures were applied uniformly and did not target specific industries or individuals based on their background. The Post provides a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311861/salaries-side-gigs-and-audits-how-navigate-hong-kongs-tax-system?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311861/salaries-side-gigs-and-audits-how-navigate-hong-kongs-tax-system?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 12:14:44 +0000 Hadi Azmi Hadi Azmi A proposal to raise the retirement age for Malaysian civil servants from 60 to 65 has drawn strong public opposition, with critics warning it would extend financial strain for low-income workers and limit job opportunities for young people. The suggestion, floated this week by Law Minister Azalina Othman Said, has reignited debate over how Malaysia should prepare for a rapidly ageing population and shrinking workforce. But it has also laid bare anxieties over wage stagnation, high living costs... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3311257/malaysians-slam-plan-raise-civil-servant-retirement-age-65-let-them-rest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3311257/malaysians-slam-plan-raise-civil-servant-retirement-age-65-let-them-rest?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 May 2025 11:30:29 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong’s lowest-paid workers received a pay rise on Thursday, with their hourly wage increasing by HK$2.10 (30 US cents), from HK$40 to HK$42.10, following a recommendation adopted by the government’s key decision-making Executive Council. The Post takes a look at the 5.25 per cent increase, the first since a new formula for adjusting the rate was passed last year, and what it means for workers such as cleaners and security guards. 1. How often is the minimum wage raised? Hong Kong launched a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3308714/how-far-will-hong-kongs-new-minimum-wage-raise-525-go-helping-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3308714/how-far-will-hong-kongs-new-minimum-wage-raise-525-go-helping-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 May 2025 11:00:09 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong authorities are planning to allow the withholding of up to half the salaries of civil servants who have been suspended from duty while facing investigations or those who are required to retire due to consistently poor performance. Civil service secretary Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan wrote on social media on Tuesday that the government would show “no leniency” towards the small number of government employees who violated laws and regulations. Her bureau submitted proposed amendments to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3306771/suspended-hong-kong-civil-servants-facing-investigation-have-50-salary-withheld?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3306771/suspended-hong-kong-civil-servants-facing-investigation-have-50-salary-withheld?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:11:44 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s largest workers’ union has called on the government to establish a mechanism to suspend a staff import scheme in industries experiencing rising unemployment rates, citing the impact of the arrival of 75,000 labourers in the past two years. The Federation of Trade Unions made the plea on Sunday, saying unemployment rates had increased in some low-skill industries after the government started bringing in tens of thousands of labourers from outside the city in September 2023 to address... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3303542/hong-kong-should-have-system-pause-labour-import-scheme-workers-union-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3303542/hong-kong-should-have-system-pause-labour-import-scheme-workers-union-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Mar 2025 14:19:38 +0000 Improving efficiency has become a critical priority for governments worldwide, especially given rising financial pressures. In the United States, gross federal debt had surged to US$35.5 trillion by the end of last year, and servicing it accounts for 16 per cent of federal spending. In response, the new Trump administration established the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to reduce public spending. However, its lack of independent oversight and the concentration of power... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3303035/why-hong-kong-must-persevere-reforming-civil-servants-pay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3303035/why-hong-kong-must-persevere-reforming-civil-servants-pay?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 01:30:07 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu A new grant for Hong Kong public schools hiring native English-speaking teachers (NETs) will be based on the profession’s current median salaries rather than years of experience, giving principals greater flexibility in recruitment, the Post has learned. Funding under the new option will be given as a lump sum and allow principals to hire more than one such teacher per school. The current scheme only allows them one such teacher, with the person being paid based on their years of experience. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3303222/grant-hiring-native-english-teachers-hong-kong-be-based-median-salaries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3303222/grant-hiring-native-english-teachers-hong-kong-be-based-median-salaries?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:30:07 +0000 South Korea reported a record high in the number of foreign residents, however many of these individuals are facing economic challenges, with a significant portion earning below the national average income and struggling with the rising costs of education for their children. According to Statistics Korea, last year, 1.56 million foreign nationals aged 15 and older lived in the country. This reflected an increase of 130,000, or 9.1 per cent, from the previous year, marking the largest rise since... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3303023/record-rise-south-koreas-foreign-residents-highlights-wage-and-education-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3303023/record-rise-south-koreas-foreign-residents-highlights-wage-and-education-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:15:10 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Surveys of hiring managers and companies have found that most professionals in Hong Kong can expect pay rises this year, with more than a third predicted to receive up to 2.4 per cent and others as much as 5 per cent. At the lower end, the rate is above the latest official forecast of 1.8 per cent growth in headline inflation this year, while civil servants are facing a pay freeze amid the government’s efforts to tackle its HK$87.2 billion (US$11.2 billion) deficit. International recruitment... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3302598/polls-predict-pay-rises-hong-kong-professionals-some-hitting-5?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3302598/polls-predict-pay-rises-hong-kong-professionals-some-hitting-5?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:30:18 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Dozens of construction workers have staged a protest near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, accusing a subsidiary of a major conglomerate of failing to pay outstanding wages. The workers gathered on Thursday morning at a construction site for a smart car park on the Hong Kong side of the bridge and displayed banners calling for action from Jardine Engineering Corporation. About 100 workers claimed they were owed three to four months’ wages totalling HK$7.6 million (US$978,000), despite their... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3302222/construction-workers-protest-over-unpaid-wages-hong-kong-side-mega-bridge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3302222/construction-workers-protest-over-unpaid-wages-hong-kong-side-mega-bridge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:05:31 +0000 Sammy Heung Sammy Heung Hong Kong’s Airport Authority has instructed one of the city’s major contractors in charge of a construction project at its second terminal building to address complaints over unpaid salaries after workers staged a protest. In a reply to the Post, the Airport Authority said dozens of construction workers gathered near the Airport South Interchange on Friday morning carrying placards demanding they be paid. “[The authority] immediately deployed staff to the scene and reported it to police. Due to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3301613/workers-stage-protest-hong-kong-airport-over-hk6-million-unpaid-wages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3301613/workers-stage-protest-hong-kong-airport-over-hk6-million-unpaid-wages?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Mar 2025 05:36:13 +0000 Hong Kong’s recent budget measures, announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, aim to balance fiscal prudence with economic recovery by increasing revenue while controlling government expenditure and minimising the impact on the public. They highlight the city’s struggle to implement sustainable solutions to its structural fiscal issues, which have persisted for years. Key budget measures include a pay freeze for civil servants – including personnel in the executive authorities,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3301198/pay-freezes-wont-fix-hong-kongs-chronic-fiscal-problems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3301198/pay-freezes-wont-fix-hong-kongs-chronic-fiscal-problems?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Mar 2025 01:30:09 +0000 A rise of HK$2.10 (US$0.30) in the hourly wage may seem shameful in affluent Hong Kong. But for the tens of thousands of the lowest paid workers, the proposed increase in the statutory minimum wage is to be welcomed. That is good news for the city’s so-called working poor, such as cleaners and security guards. The new wage floor will rise by 5.25 per cent to HK$42.10, the first increase since a new formula for adjustment was passed last year. It will come into effect on May 1, Labour Day,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3301067/hong-kong-minimum-wage-rise-benefit-working-poor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3301067/hong-kong-minimum-wage-rise-benefit-working-poor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:45:07 +0000 Last week, Hong Kong released its hardest budget yet. It’s hard because of the need for austerity measures that most previous budgets didn’t face. This city used to have reserves other economies could only dream of. Some may remember when the budget spotlight used to be on accusing the financial secretary of being a miser, for hoarding the incredible surplus and not sharing enough of the wealth with people. For the sake of our younger readers and those with shorter memories, let’s indulge in a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3300599/why-hong-kongs-austere-budget-hard-public-swallow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3300599/why-hong-kongs-austere-budget-hard-public-swallow?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Mar 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Human resources researchers and industry insiders believe the planned salary freeze for Hong Kong’s civil servants will not have a major impact on the private sector, with companies already setting this year’s pay adjustment levels and facing staff shortages. In his budget speech, Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po announced a pay freeze for all public servants in the coming financial year and a cut of 10,000 positions by April 2027, in an attempt to alleviate a deficit of HK$87.2... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3300430/civil-servant-pay-freeze-should-not-majorly-impact-hong-kongs-private-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3300430/civil-servant-pay-freeze-should-not-majorly-impact-hong-kongs-private-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:17:32 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Slashing or freezing the salaries of Hong Kong civil servants has been floated by many as a measure to tackle the city’s HK$100 billion (US$12.9 billion) deficit. Civil service expenses accounted for 20 per cent of the total government expenditure on average over the past five financial years, prompting calls to review the administrative structure to improve effectiveness. The Post breaks down civil service expenses to see if freezing or cutting the salaries of about 173,000 government employees... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3299823/budget-2025-how-public-servant-pay-cuts-will-impact-you-and-hong-kongs-finances?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3299823/budget-2025-how-public-servant-pay-cuts-will-impact-you-and-hong-kongs-finances?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Feb 2025 02:00:25 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s job market is showing signs of a recovery, with the financial services and technology sectors taking the lead in increasing headcount and salaries. Recruitment consultancy Robert Walters said on Monday that it was cautiously optimistic about hiring prospects this year, with employers intending to increase their permanent and contract workforce. The financial sector would be one of the sectors regaining momentum and leading the hiring growth, according to Robert Walters, which... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3299033/hong-kongs-finance-and-tech-sectors-lead-job-market-recovery-year-robert-walters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3299033/hong-kongs-finance-and-tech-sectors-lead-job-market-recovery-year-robert-walters?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:30:09 +0000 The founding supervisor of a debt-ridden independent school in Hong Kong has made an open appeal for urgent financial support, saying the academy is struggling to pay its teachers on time as cash flow has run out. Han Academy in Wong Chuk Hang has been embroiled in controversy after police received reports from at least 14 parents accusing the private school of failing to refund debentures, with the unsettled amount totalling HK$8.6 million (US$1.1 million). “As a result of the successive... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3291676/hong-kongs-han-academy-warns-teacher-salaries-jeopardy-open-appeal-financial-aid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3291676/hong-kongs-han-academy-warns-teacher-salaries-jeopardy-open-appeal-financial-aid?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:17:40 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen A county in eastern China is seeking better perks for grass-roots government workers engaged in social affairs after it struggled to lure talent willing to take on the demanding jobs. The Social Work Department of the Communist Party committee in Feng county in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, attributed the shortage of talent in grass-roots government organisations to unattractive remuneration packages and a heavy workload, and called for more financial support. A report summarising the findings of a... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3288717/chinese-county-grapples-how-lure-and-reward-workers-difficult-low-level-jobs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3288717/chinese-county-grapples-how-lure-and-reward-workers-difficult-low-level-jobs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Dec 2024 08:00:14 +0000 Indian food delivery giant Zomato has sparked outrage and debate over a job listing for a senior role that requires an upfront fee and no salary for the first year, dividing opinions on whether it reflects innovative hiring or the country’s toxic workplace culture. Deepinder Goyal, founder and CEO of Zomato, posted the job listing for a chief of staff position on Wednesday, which he promised would provide more of an education than a management school degree. Rather than receiving pay, the... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3288234/zomato-stirs-debate-india-over-no-salary-senior-role-application-fee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3288234/zomato-stirs-debate-india-over-no-salary-senior-role-application-fee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:00:23 +0000 Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has announced an average salary increase of 3.8 per cent for its employees next year, matching the levels of 2023. Cathay’s decision to raise salaries followed reports that the company’s top bosses were paid about 20 per cent more last year than in 2019, with some enjoying substantial gains even as the carrier struggled to return to full capacity. Cathay CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por was the highest paid, with a package worth HK$10.45 million (US$1.34... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3287195/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-raise-staff-salaries-38-average-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3287195/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-raise-staff-salaries-38-average-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Nov 2024 07:15:47 +0000 A major Hong Kong labour group has called for a salary increase of at least 5.5 per cent next year after a survey found more than 65 per cent of workers cut their daily expenses to cope with the rising cost of living. The annual pay trend survey, conducted by the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions, found that nearly half of the respondents needed to work overtime or had extra part-time jobs to earn additional income. But it showed that 63 per cent of workers received an average... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3285264/hong-kong-labour-group-seeks-55-pay-rise-next-year-after-survey-shows-workers-cut-expenses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3285264/hong-kong-labour-group-seeks-55-pay-rise-next-year-after-survey-shows-workers-cut-expenses?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:19:16 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Hong Kong companies offered the highest starting salaries for fresh graduates across cities in the Greater Bay Area, boasting a 9.3 per cent increase compared with last year, a study led by universities has found. The average monthly starting salary this year for fresh graduates in Hong Kong was HK$19,806 (US$2,550), outperforming 14,996 patacas (US$1,870) in Macau and 5,843 yuan (US$820) in Guangdong province. Macau recorded the fastest-growing rate of 16.4 per cent while Guangdong lagged... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3283705/hong-kong-tops-greater-bay-area-fresh-graduate-salaries-93-rise-last-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3283705/hong-kong-tops-greater-bay-area-fresh-graduate-salaries-93-rise-last-year?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:20 +0000 A Hong Kong construction union has accused the main contractor of a student hostel project of failing to pay HK$2 million (US$257,400) in wages and more than HK$60 million in subcontractor costs, saying the client had appointed another company to finish the work. About 30 workers staged a protest at the site of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology project on Monday morning, displaying a banner that read: “unpaid toil and sweat”. The Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3282280/hong-kong-builder-paul-y-accused-failing-pay-hk62-million-wages-costs-hkust-site?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3282280/hong-kong-builder-paul-y-accused-failing-pay-hk62-million-wages-costs-hkust-site?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Oct 2024 08:15:52 +0000 A debate over what constitutes a fair wage for Hong Kong’s foreign domestic workers has arisen between worker unions and employment agencies after the government announced a salary increase. The minimum wage for foreign domestic workers has increased by HK$120 (US$15) a month to HK$4,990, a 2.5 per cent rise, amid consumer price inflation in the city. This is lower than the 3 per cent pay rise for civil servants and 4 per cent average increase across the private sector – and smaller than the 3... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3281604/hong-kongs-underpaid-foreign-domestic-workers-deserve-living-wage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3281604/hong-kongs-underpaid-foreign-domestic-workers-deserve-living-wage?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Oct 2024 21:30:08 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong employees have received the smallest annual pay rise since the latter stages of the pandemic at 3.2 per cent, but they can expect better packages and employment opportunities next year, a survey has found. The results of a separate poll by a state-owned human resources firm also published on Thursday found that workers in the mainland Chinese cities of the Greater Bay Area reported an average increase of 4.8 per cent this year. But Lawrence Hung Yu-yun, president of the Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3281820/hong-kong-employees-receive-lowest-pay-rise-32-pandemic-human-resources-expert?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3281820/hong-kong-employees-receive-lowest-pay-rise-32-pandemic-human-resources-expert?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:21:20 +0000 Trade unions have urged Hong Kong authorities to halt or review a scheme to bring in transport, retail and aviation workers from outside the city, following the suspension of such arrangements for the construction industry amid claims of exploitation of migrant labourers. Calls from the unions to either withdraw the scheme or bring forward a review came as authorities cancelled the latest round of applications for importing construction workers. The government launched the scheme to import a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278625/hong-kong-must-halt-or-review-scheme-bring-workers-unions-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278625/hong-kong-must-halt-or-review-scheme-bring-workers-unions-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2024 15:33:03 +0000 Hong Kong’s needy have given the current administration a lower score in an annual survey on its performance in the past year because of employment and housing struggles. The Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) revealed the 5.8 out of 10 poll rating on Sunday as it called for more support for low-income groups in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s coming policy address in mid-October. The annual rating on the government’s overall performance declined for the second consecutive year,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278616/jobs-housing-main-worries-hong-kongs-needy-annual-survey-government-finds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278616/jobs-housing-main-worries-hong-kongs-needy-annual-survey-government-finds?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2024 12:37:33 +0000 A group of about 50 migrant workers embroiled in a pay dispute with a middleman will be back on site on Thursday at a public hospital project in Hong Kong after authorities intervened. The case unfolded on Monday when about 30 plasterers from mainland China protested outside the construction site at United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong, saying their management company in Shenzhen had charged exorbitant intermediary fees and other costs. They were allegedly later fired by the mainland company,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278136/migrant-workers-will-be-back-hong-kong-site-after-authorities-intervene-pay-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278136/migrant-workers-will-be-back-hong-kong-site-after-authorities-intervene-pay-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:59:14 +0000