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The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, arrived in Beijing this afternoon (August 20) and immediately commenced his visiting programme. He visited the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Beijing Office to exchange views on labour issues.
Mr Cheung first met with the Director of the ILO Beijing Office, Ms Ann Herbert, to exchange views on international labour issues. Mr Cheung pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been actively participating in the activities of the ILO. Currently, 41 international labour conventions are applied to the HKSAR, covering a wide range of areas including working conditions, employment policies, employees' compensation, labour relations and occupational safety and health.
"The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to protecting the rights and benefits of workers. All imported workers, including foreign domestic helpers, enjoy the same rights and benefits as well as protection as other local workers under the Employment Ordinance. In addition, the concerted efforts of employers, employees and the Government have brought about steady and harmonious labour relations in Hong Kong. Of the labour disputes and claims handled by the Labour Department last year, 73.2 per cent were successfully settled through conciliation," Mr Cheung said.
Mr Cheung later called on the Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, Mr Yin Weimin, and briefed him on the latest labour market situation and developments on the labour relations front in the HKSAR.
Mr Cheung said Hong Kong's labour market remained in a state of almost full employment, with the latest unemployment rate staying at 3.3 per cent, and the total employment grew steadily to another record high of 3 745 100. He added that labour demand would likely stay firm on the back of resilient domestic demand, but the HKSAR Government would stay alert in view of the global economic outlook being overcast with considerable uncertainties.
He also highlighted in particular the smooth implementation of the Statutory Minimum Wage since May 1, 2011, establishment of the Standard Working Hours Committee in April this year to take forward discussion and studies on working hours, and the Government's decision to provide for statutory paternity leave.
Mr Cheung stressed that the HKSAR Government would steadily improve employees' statutory rights by taking into account the pace of Hong Kong's social and economic development as well as the need to balance the interests of both the employers and the employees.
Mr Cheung will call on the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the State Administration of Work Safety, and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council tomorrow (August 21).
Ends/Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:47
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