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The following is issued on behalf of the Minimum Wage Commission:
The Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) today (April 2) launched an eight-week public consultation to invite views on the statutory minimum wage (SMW) rate.
MWC adopts an evidence-based approach in conducting an objective, impartial and comprehensive study of the SMW rate. Apart from analysing the relevant statistical data, MWC will also consider information collected from other surveys and conduct extensive consultation to fully assess views and concerns of the community regarding the SMW rate.
MWC has uploaded its preliminary views on the study of the SMW rate and a summary of views collected at consultation meetings with stakeholders in the fourth quarter of 2011 onto its website (www.mwc.org.hk). Stakeholders and interested parties can also make reference to the 2011 Report on Annual Earnings and Hours Survey released by the Census and Statistics Department, which is available at the department's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk).
Stakeholders and interested parties are welcome to forward their views to MWC by fax to 2110 3518; or by email to mwc@labour.gov.hk; or by post to 1/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong, on or before May 28, 2012.
MWC is tasked to report to the Chief Executive in Council its recommendation on the SMW rate. In performing its function, MWC must have regard to the need to maintain an appropriate balance between the objectives of forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs as well as the need to sustain Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness.
Ends/Monday, April 2, 2012
Issued at HKT 10:00
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