In this issue: Labour Day rally cancelled | Submission to UN CEDAW Committee | CGU solidarity statement on Elizabeth Tang
A May Day without a solidarity march is yet another example highlighting how the Hong Kong National Security Law has taken away fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.
Watch: Labour Day rallies Hong Kongers walked together
The cancellation of this year’s May Day marches came after top Chinese official Xia Baolong, the director of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said protesting was “not the only way” to air demands. Xia also warned of individuals who exploit livelihood issues to “manipulate” and “hijack” protests and instigate social strife.
Soon after Xia’s speech, Pro-Beijing trade unions called off their Labour Day rally, while independent unionists eventually cancelled the rally after being taken away.
HK Labour Rights Newsflash
- New law caps fines at HK$10m (US$1.2m) for occupational safety violations < Read more here >
- Hong Kong unemployment rate drops to 3.1% yet unemployment in construction industry stands at 4.5% < Chinese only >
- ANALYSIS | Hong Kong is planning to open a new gateway to bring in non-local construction and logistic workers. What are the impacts on the local labour force? < Chinese only >
- KNOW YOUR RIGHTS | What benefits do I entitled working part-time? < Chinese only >
International Advocacy
On 5 April 2023, Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor submitted a parallel report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to compliment the committee’s review on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in Hong Kong. The committee’s review will begin on 8 May 2023.
The report focuses on issues that have a directly affect women workers’ rights and welfare in Hong Kong and underlines that women’s political and public life have been heavily restricted especially since the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law, with at least six women trade union leaders arrested and prosecuted for peacefully exercising their fundamental human rights.
International Solidarity
The Council of Global Unions (CGU) issued a statement on 18 April to stand with Elizabeth Tang. CGU demands Hong Kong authorities withdraw the investigation against Elizabeth Tang, respect human rights, and end the assault on legitimate trade union rights in Hong Kong.
That’s a wrap for this month. We’d appreciate it if you could share this email with your network. It would help us reach a wider audience and increase awareness of #HKLabourRights on the ground. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
In Solidarity,
Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor