Over 20 pc surge in labor disputes, involving over HK$16 Million: union

The number of reported cases concerning worker exploitation in 2023 has increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year, with the highest proportion involving issues related to annual leave and unpaid wages.

The Labor Services Center of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) said on Thursday they dealt with 173 labor dispute cases last year, representing a significant increase of 44.2 percent compared to 120 cases in 2021 and a 21 percent rise compared to 143 cases in 2022.

The total number of individuals seeking assistance reached 218, involving claims amounting to over HK$16 million. The complaints mainly related to annual leave, severance payment, and unpaid wages, with increases of one-third and 28.6 percent respectively in cases concerning "statutory holidays" and unpaid wages compared to 2022.

The Center highlighted that some employers use false settlements to shift responsibility onto the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund, incorporating unreasonable and punitive clauses in employment contracts, forcing employees into self-employment, etc.

Anthony Yau Yiu-shing, vice chairman of FTU, stated that with the importation of foreign labor, it is expected that the number of labor disputes would continue to rise, along with their complexity. 

He suggested the government strengthens the promotion and education of workers' rights while timely reviewing loopholes in the Employment Ordinance.

FTU urged workers to proactively seek assistance from their center and trade unions if they encounter labor disputes, in order to safeguard their rights.