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| Most FDWs are grateful enough that there's a salary increase |
Foreign domestic helpers have largely welcomed the new minimum wage of HK$5220 mandated for them by the Hong Kong government with many saying it was “better than nothing.”
Others were
thankful, to both the Hong Kong government for keeping up the practice of
giving modest increase in their wages; and to fellow migrants who took to the
streets to call for higher wages.
Migrants rights
advocate Eman Villanueva of Bayan Muna Hong Kong and Macau claimed victory over
the decision not to freeze wages, as was the call of a group of employers who
warned that there would be “mass terminations” if an increase was ordered.
“Salamat sa mga organisasyon at unyon na
nakipaglaban para tumaas ang sahod at hindi matuloy ang wage freeze,” he said
in a post.(Thank you to all organizations and unions that fought for a salary increase
and against a wage freeze).
But in a press statement
issued Saturday, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body which fought for a “living
wage” of HK$6,172, expressed dismay that the new minimum wage is just HK$120
more than last year’s.
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| AMCB says the fight for 'living wage' will continue |
AMCB also decried that no increase in the food allowance -or what is given a migrant worker in lieu of free meals – was mandated.
“Clearly,
the Hong Kong government has no intention of meeting our demand for a living
wage. While the no increase in food allowance will mean more expenses and loss
in the wage of FDWs who are not provided food at their employer’s house,” said
AMCB.
It
called on fellow migrant workers to continue the fight for a living wage, and
for the longstanding demands of regulation of work hours, suitable accommodation,
unconditional long service benefit, and food allowance commensurate to the
inflation rate.
Meanwhile,
Labour Minister Chris Sun said in an interview that the 2.35 % increase in the
minimum wage for FDHs was reasonable, and was based on a comprehensive review
of annual economic performance, employers’ income and inflation.
He
said that if the economy does well and the overall data are positive, the
growth rate typically fluctuates within a range of 2 and 2.5%; thus a salary
increase within this range is fair.
