Hong Kong’s independent trade union movement started with drops of water. As the Chinese saying goes, ‘Constant dripping wears away a stone.’ (滴水穿石) In the past 30 years, droplets of water have converged into streams and rivers, building up momentum and sending waves of change across Hong Kong. 

But the waves of change are now interrupted. 

In 2020, the Chinese and the Hong Kong government implemented the Hong Kong National Security Law. The authorities weaponised the law to crack down on Hong Kong’s trade unions and civil society. Union leaders are imprisoned due to their participation in the democratic movement.

Over 100 trade unions were forced to disband, which led to dozens of trade unionists fleeing the city.

In the exhibition “Be Water-Persist”, we will talk through the highs and lows of the independent trade unionism in Hong Kong. Let us celebrate the power of the people, the resilience of the labour movement, and remember those who fought on the front line and are now imprisoned.