Last Saturday (May 11), the Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor hosted the Hong Konger Labour Festival, bringing together trade unions and Hong Konger organisations in the UK to stand with the city’s independent labour movement. The event also invited leaders from the diaspora community and a labour researcher to discuss the future development path of Hong Kong civil society and democratic movements.
Speaking at the event, Kate Bell, Assistant General Secretary of the TUC, expressed shock at the repression of Hong Kongers who stood up for basic democratic rights under the national security law. She said, ‘And I have been so shocked to read about your struggle, the repression following that national security law. Trade unions disbanded. 11 Trade unionists arrested for allegedly endangering national security. (Hong Kongers) imprisoned for printing children’s books, standing up for democracy and resisting injustice.’
Despite these challenges, she emphasised that the TUC is in solidarity with Hong Kong workers in the UK, advocating for fair wages and working conditions while supporting democracy and independent unions. She continued, “We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and say that there is no democracy without trade union rights, and today, my key message is to bring you the solidarity of 5 million workers across the UK, 48 trade unions in your fight against injustice.”
Christopher Mung, Executive Director of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor emphasised that democracy is the soul of independent labour movements. Without a democratic system, workers’ interests cannot be protected. Some Hong Kongers refuse to surrender and continue to live truthfully under the suppression of the National Security Law and Article 23 of the Basic Law in Hong Kong. Mung urged Hong Kongers in the UK to take on more responsibility, speak out against injustice in the international community, and fight for democracy. Similarly, when confronted with unfair treatment at work, he advised Hong Kongers in the UK to speak up. Many of them may not be well-versed in British labour laws, so he encouraged participation in unions to safeguard their rights collectively.
Former HK Legislative Councillor Lee Wing-tat also encouraged Hong Kongers working in the UK to join unions. He emphasised that regardless of one’s abilities, fighting for labour rights alone is impossible; unity with others is needed to advocate for workers’ protection. Simon Cheng, the Founder of Hongkongers in Britain, claimed that labour rights are one of the organisation’s priorities, and they intend to work more to enhance labour workers’ awareness.
Social activists across generations, Loong Yu, Au, a labour researcher, Tony Chung, the Ex-convener of Studentlocalism, Carmen Lau, the International Advocacy and Programme Associate of Hong Kong Democracy Council, and Rex Lee, the Founder of HKersUnited and ICHKA, held candid discussions about how Hong Kongers in the UK can engage with civil society and promote democratic development.
And a huge thank you to everyone who turned up. Representatives from various industries discussed their experiences in the UK workplace. Food vendors indulged us in various HK delicacies and exhibitions on the independent labour movement and sharing labour movement songs helped everyone learn more. Furthermore, Hong Kongers who attended the premiere of the documentary “She’s in Jail” and our guest speaker of the post-screening session, Ming-wai Lit, the producer of HK’s play “May 35”, left uplifting and encouraging notes for everyone to take away. Regardless of where they are, Hong Kongers continue to strive for democracy and freedom, ensuring that we all see and support one another on this journey.
(From left to right) Lee Wing-tat, Former Hong Kong Legislative Councillor; Christopher Mung, Executive Director of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor; Kate Bell, Assistant General Secretary of the TUC; and Simon Cheng, the Founder of Hongkongers in Britain, kicked off the Hong Konger Labour Festival.
Kate Bell, Assistant General Secretary of the TUC, “We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and say that there is no democracy without trade union rights, and today, my key message is to bring you the solidarity of 5 million workers across the UK, 48 trade unions in your fight against injustice.”
(From left to right) Christopher Mung, Executive Director of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor, Loong Yu, Au, a Labour researcher, Tony Chung, the Ex-convener of Studentlocalism, Carmen Lau, the International Advocacy and Programme Associate of Hong Kong Democracy Council and Rex Lee, the Founder of HKersUnited and ICHKA, held candid discussions about how Hong Kongers in the UK can engage with civil society and promote democratic development.
Representatives from various industries discussed their experiences in the UK workplace.
A big turnout for the premiere of the documentary “She’s in Jail”.
Our guest speaker for the post-screening session, Ming-wai Lit (right), the producer of HK’s play May 35, left uplifting and encouraging notes for everyone to take away.