In this issue:
NEW Digital Archive: Hong Kong Independent Labour Movement 1990–2021
HKCTU former Executive Committee members convicted for not providing operating information to the police
BWI, ITUC Stand with Hong Kong
Hong Kong Independent Labour Movement 1990–2021
In the past 30 years, the independent labour movement and the people of Hong Kong have witnessed many changes. Check out our new online digital archive which documented some of the significant moments of the Hong Kong labour movement development from 1990 to 2021. These events epitomise some of the highs and lows of the development of the independent labour movement in Hong Kong and reflect the sacrifices and efforts of countless workers and organisers.
Remembering and preserving the history of the labour movement is a struggle in and of itself.
What’s happening #HKLabourRights
Statutory body proposed raise in minimum wage
The Minimum Wage Commission, a statutory body tasked with reviewing Hong Kong’s minimum wage, has reached an agreement to propose a HK$2.50 increase in the minimum wage rate. If the proposal is approved by the government, the minimum wage in Hong Kong would be raised to HK$40 (US$5.10) per hour. But can the raise help the low-wage workers in Hong Kong?
HKCTU former Executive Committee members found guilty of not providing operating information to the police
Former HKCTU chairperson Joe Wong, vice-chairperson Leo Tang, and treasurer Chung Chun-fai were found guilty of violating the Hong Kong Societies Ordinance for not providing operational information to the police.
In his statement at the court, Leo Tang said he deliberately chose not to hand in information: “It was done by conscience, not an inadvertent mistake.”
Connecting Hong Kong Diaspora
Last month, our executive director, Christopher Siu-tat Mung, talked to Hong Kongers in the USA at a labour movement forum organised by Student for Hong Kong. Mung explained the international dimension of the labour movement in Hong Kong.
Mung also spoke to Greenbean, a new UK-based media platform that was set up by journalists from Hong Kong. In the interview, Mung recounted his struggle to leave Hong Kong and the challenging choice he had to make between his family and his comrades.
Click the link below to watch the interview, which is now available with English subtitles.
Global Solidarity
Good news! Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and ITUC Asia Pacific both passed resolutions to support Hong Kong workers last month. The resolutions demanded the immediate and unconditional release of labour activists behind bars and ceased the crackdown on trade unions in Hong Kong.
We will continue to bring Hong Kong labour rights issues to the attention of global civil society and unite with the international trade union movement in this fight against authoritarianism.
Let’s show them our solidarity for their fight for democracy, peace and freedom in Ukraine, Myanmar and Hong Kong.
AMBET YUSON, BWI GENERAL SECRETARY
We will take the necessary actions to support the struggles of our sisters and brothers in the region.
SHOYA YOSHIDA, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE ITUC-ASIA PACIFIC
This has been the wrap-up of our work for the past few weeks. If you like our work, help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends. Let more people know about #HKLabourRights.
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In Solidarity,
Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor