Hong Kong union demands pause on labor import scheme

Hong Kong's largest workers' union has urged the government to create a system that can pause a labour import scheme. This request comes as some sectors experience rising unemployment. The Federation of Trade Unions made this call on Sunday, highlighting the effects of bringing in 75,000 workers over the past two years. The union points to an increase in unemployment in low-skill industries since the government started the import scheme in September 2023. They argue that local, underprivileged workers, especially older individuals in temporary or part-time jobs, struggle to compete with younger imported workers. Kingsley Wong Kwok, the chairman of the federation, stated that the government needs to reconsider its labour import strategies. He suggested that there should be limits on the number of foreign workers brought into certain industries, like construction, especially when unemployment is rising. The 75,000 imported workers include about 20,000 in the catering sector and 9,000 in construction. These workers are required to earn at least the median monthly wage for similar positions in the market. However, the union claims that this arrangement is not protecting local job opportunities as intended.