Activists of the People Power union handed in a petition addressed to Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On yesterday at Government Headquarters, urging the government to set a minimum wage for construction workers.
Cheong Man Fat, the grassroots group’s high-profile vice-chairman, told reporters that construction companies preferred to hire imported workers and therefore often offered local workers wages lower than average.
“Some companies offer the same wages to skilled workers as those who are unskilled,” said Cheong, adding the government should set different minimum wages for skilled and unskilled construction workers to ensure fair employment conditions.
People Power Vice-Chairman Cheong Weng Fat (centre), accompanied by fellow unionists, talks to reporters after handing a petition to an official at Government Headquarters yesterday. Photo: Annie Cheung
