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The following is issued on behalf of the Standard Working Hours Committee:
The Standard Working Hours (SWH) Committee held its first meeting today (May 7). At the meeting, members received a briefing on the policy study report on SWH completed by the Government earlier, agreed on the future house rules and exchanged views on the way forward of the Committee.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Leong Che-hung, said after the meeting, "The Committee is tasked to follow up on the Government's policy study on SWH, promote understanding of this complex subject and related issues, and advise the Chief Executive on the working hours situation in Hong Kong including whether a statutory SWH regime or any other alternatives should be introduced."
Dr Leong said, "At today's meeting members had a frank and constructive exchange on SWH and the future work direction of the Committee. This has provided very useful references for the future work of the Committee. Members agreed to conduct wide consultation on working hours, collect relevant information and contemplate further statistical surveys for members' reference and discussion on the way forward."
He added, "After consolidating the views expressed at today's discussion, the secretariat will devise a work plan for the Committee's consideration. Our aim is to promote informed and in-depth discussion in the community on working hours, with a view to building consensus and assisting the Government to identify the way forward."
Dr Leong said, "Working hours policy involves complicated work culture and legal issues affecting a wide spectrum of employees. There are different concerns of employers and employees in various trades. Through the platform of the Committee, I hope that various sectors of the community can actively give their views and, through objective and thorough discussions, jointly explore and work out the options best suited to Hong Kong. All members and I will work together conscientiously to take forward this important and challenging mission."
The SWH Committee comprises a Chairperson and 23 members, including 12 serving members (employer and employee representatives) of the Labour Advisory Board. Of the remaining 11 members, one each comes from the labour sector and the business field, and three each come from academia, the community and the Government.
Ends/Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:00
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