In this issue: A Year of Solidarity| International Solidarity | Event Recap | HK Labour Rights Newsflash
A Year of Solidarity
As the year ends, we deeply appreciate your support over the past year—whether through joining our actions, attending events, or sharing our posts online. Your solidarity has been a vital source of strength driving us forward.
This festive season, we remember our comrades still imprisoned, including the union leaders Lee Cheuk Yan, Carol Ng, and Winnie Yu, as well as others who have sacrificed for the pursuit of democracy and freedom in Hong Kong. Their courage inspires us to persist in advocating for labour rights and justice, even in the face of great challenges.
As we look to the new year, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Together, we can amplify workers’ voices, protect their rights, and build a future where fairness and respect for labour are upheld.
Wishing you and your loved ones peace, joy, and renewed hope in the new year.
International Solidarity
Democracy in Decline: Lessons from South Korea’s Martial Law Incident
During the South Korean martial law crisis, mobilising labour unions and civil society was pivotal. At our recent seminar on South Korea’s martial law crisis, Ryu, Mikyung, International Director of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, detailed President Yoon Suk-yeol’s repeated crackdowns on unions. After Yoon declared martial law, the KCTU swiftly mobilised strikes and rallies, leading the National Assembly to overturn the decree. Although the first impeachment attempt failed, relentless public protests secured the passage of a second motion.
HK Labour Rights Newsflash
- China Faces Early Wage Claim Surge as Economic Recession Hits<Read more>
- Hong Kong’s 3-Day Parental Leave Plan Limited to Civil Servants, Family-Friendly Efforts Fall Short (Chinese only) <Read more>
- Xinjiang Forced Labour: Speaking Out for Human Rights Behind Every Cotton and Tomato <Read more>
- Hong Kong Government’s Delayed Response to Economic Downturn: Urgent Need for Unemployment Support (Chinese only) <Read more>
- South Korean Unions Stand Up to Defend Democracy Against Martial Law <Read more>
- Know Your Rights on Statutory Holidays (Chinese only) <Read more>
Event Recap
Free HK45 Rally
At the end of November, 200 Hongkongers and union members in the UK joined a rally outside the Chinese Embassy in London. Co-organised with Workers Against the CCP, the rally was held in support of the 45 individuals in the Hong Kong primary election case. Braving the cold, participants called for international attention to the CCP’s suppression of Hong Kong’s democracy and expressed solidarity with those fighting for freedom.
Our Executive Director, Christopher Mung said, “Our friends in prison haven’t given up, and neither should we. We must do so as long as we have the freedom to speak out from overseas. Frustration and disappointment are natural, but we must never lose hope. When those in Hong Kong face political oppression and are silenced, our voices matter more than ever. Let’s ensure our message crosses borders, reminding them they are never alone.”
Labour Rights Talk for Hongkongers
In early December, we gathered with Hong Kongers in Birmingham and Nottingham to share information on UK labour laws and labour movements. Despite the cold weather, many attended, which deeply moved us.
During the event, we addressed a common question about leaving early during the notice period and reminded everyone that employers cannot deduct salary for not completing the notice period; they must still pay until the last working day. However, employees may face compensation claims from employers for early resignation. Additionally, we shared information on Hong Kong’s labour movement and engaged in discussions with local union members, feeling the power of solidarity.
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. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Threads for more updates.
In solidarity,
Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor
將香港勞工聲音帶到國際
Amplifying Workers’ Voices from HK to the World