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LCQ7: Standard working hours
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    Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, to a question by the Hon Tam Heung-man on standard working hours in the Legislative Council today (June 4):

Question :

    I have conducted a survey earlier and the outcome indicates that the problem of accountants working excessively long hours is rather serious.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it will consider commencing in the near future a study on stipulating standard working hours, and drawing up other measures to alleviate the problem of excessively long working hours; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

ReplyˇG

Madam President,

    It is the Administration's established policy to progressively improve employees'rights and benefits in a way that strikes a reasonable balance between employers'and employees'interests and which is commensurate with the pace of Hong Kong's economic and social development.

    Standard working hours is a complicated issue.  At present, employers, employees and various sectors of the community have divergent views on whether standard working hours should be introduced into Hong Kong.  As the issue would have far-reaching implications for Hong Kong's economy, we must be cautious in dealing with it.  At this stage, the Government has no plans to stipulate mandatory standard working hours.

    We appreciate that consistently long working hours may affect employees' health, their families and their social life.  Therefore, current labour legislation has laid down provisions on work and rest day arrangements.

    As our labour market is highly flexible, we have spared no efforts in encouraging employers and employees to resolve different issues including arrangements relating to working hours through consultation, taking account of their respective needs.  The Labour Department (LD) has all along encouraged employers and employees to work in close partnership, thereby enhancing the overall manpower quality and promoting the long-term development of our trades and industries.

    Besides, the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap. 509) stipulates that employers must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure the occupational safety and health of their employees.  As such, we also actively promote and publicise from the occupational safety and health angle the importance of proper rest periods.  In this connection, the Committee on Occupational Safety and Health of the Labour Advisory Board published the Guide on Rest Breaks in July 2003 to encourage employers and employees to work out through consultation rest break arrangements suitable for the employees as well as meeting the operational needs of the business.

    To encourage frank communication between employers and employees on their needs, including arrangements for working hours and rest periods, one of the key measures of LD in 2008-09 is the promotion of harmonious labour relations and enlightened family-friendly employment practices.  Through publicity campaigns, educational activities and outreaching network through its 18 Human Resources Management Clubs and nine industry-based tripartite committees, LD encourages sincere communication and cooperation between employers and employees to achieve their goals.

Ends/Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:20

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