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The following is issued on behalf of the Minimum Wage Commission:
The Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) of the new term held its first meeting today (March 20). The MWC was briefed on the major results of the 2012 Annual Earnings and Hours Survey and the 2011 Annual Survey of Economic Activities.
The MWC Chairperson, Mr Jat Sew-tong, stated that the MWC is mainly tasked, when required by the Chief Executive, to report to the Chief Executive in Council its recommendations about the statutory minimum wage (SMW) rate. In making its recommendation, the MWC will need to maintain an appropriate balance between the objectives of forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs while sustaining Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness.
"The SMW rate has important implications on various sectors of the community. In fulfilling the Commission's mission, I will work closely with all the Members of the MWC in an objective, evidence-based and balanced manner by taking full account of the social, economic and employment factors in Hong Kong and the views of various stakeholders," Mr Jat said.
The MWC is established under the Minimum Wage Ordinance with 12 Members from the labour sector, the business community, academia and the Government. The Chairperson and the nine non-official Members are appointed on a personal basis.
Ends/Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:22
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