Pay hike sought amid strong salary adjustment dissatisfaction among employees
The Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions is asking for a 5.5% wage hike next year amid strong pay dissatisfaction among employees.
"We suggest a salary increase of 5.5%, which is a little bit lower than last year because last year we suggested an increase of six per cent," said Lam Chung-sing, chairman of the federation, as quoted by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK).
"Because last year, the inflation was much higher than this year and also this year some of the sectors also face some challenges because of the economic situation."
The pay hike request also comes after more than half of the respondents felt unhappy with the salary adjustment this year, with over 70% saying their pay should be adjusted based on inflation.
The poll, which had over 1,100 respondents, revealed that more than six out of 10 employees in Hong Kong received a 4.5% pay rise this year, while the rest saw their salaries frozen.
The transportation industry provided bigger salary increases, according to Lam. On the other hand, some employers in construction and catering froze employees' salaries.
"I think this is because of the economic situation... Also for the construction industry, some private construction projects are also delayed," Lam said as quoted by the RTHK.
Hong Kong's average salary for employees went down to 3.2% in 2024, with the actual increase being 1.4% after deducting inflation, according to the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management.
