Labour Day demo sticks to health guidelines, union says

The Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU) says its plans for a large-scale Labour Day demonstration have been drawn up with government coronavirus guidelines in mind, and it will be pressing this point as it seeks to overturn the police's ban on the proposed march, RTHK reports.

The police have refused to issue a letter of no objection for two public assemblies and a march on Hong Kong Island on May 1, saying not only would the demonstrations increase the risk of people catching Covid-19, but they would pose a "serious threat to the lives and health of all citizens".

The CTU is to challenge this decision before an appeal board on Wednesday afternoon.

The confederation's chairwoman, Carol Ng, said she can't understand why the police aren't satisfied with their proposal to ask participants to march in groups of four, keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between them.

"This social distance was recommended by the government itself, so we are just following what they recommend," Ng said.

"If you say 1.5 meters for the public to assemble or come into public areas is acceptable, then why is four in a row, keeping a 1.5 metre distance not acceptable on this occasion?"

Ng added that she believes the plan is feasible and practical.

But if the appeal board sides with the police, she said the CTU will think of other ways to mark Labour Day, noting that some groups are planning to hold street booths.

There were also calls circulating online for protests in various parts of the city this Friday.