The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Labour Department (LD) today (April 27) to learn more about its work and to take the opportunity to meet colleagues of the department.

     Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Commissioner for Labour, Mr Carlson Chan, and the directorate staff. He was pleased to learn that the LD is committed to safeguarding the rights and benefits of employees, fostering harmonious labour relations and promoting occupational safety and health.

     Mr Cheung then visited the Statutory Minimum Wage Division and talked to staff of Labour Officer grade to better understand their daily work. The Division, among others, co-ordinates and oversees the implementation and review of the statutory minimum wage, and provides secretariat support for the Minimum Wage Commission.

     While touring the Labour Inspection Division, Mr Cheung was briefed by Labour Inspectors on how they carry out inspections in workplaces of various sectors to check if the employers have complied with the Employment Ordinance and ensure that employees receive timely payment of wages and enjoy the statutory benefits of rest days, statutory holidays and annual leave with pay.

     Mr Cheung also visited the Safety Promotion Unit of the Support Services Division. He noted that the Unit organises promotion and publicity events to promote safety awareness as well as a safety culture among employers and employees of all industries. The Unit also operates the Safety and Health Advisory Telephone Enquiry Service and the Occupational Safety and Health Complaint Hotline, so as to handle public enquiries and follow up on complaints.

     Before concluding his visit, Mr Cheung met staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concern them. He praised colleagues for their efforts, and encouraged them to continue discharging the functions of the LD and provide services for employers and employees in an equitable manner.

Ends/Thursday, April 27, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:13

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