Groups seek 30% pay rise for Hong Kong domestic helpers to HK$6,500 a month

A coalition of domestic worker unions has demanded an immediate 30 per cent pay rise for Hong Kong’s 370,000 helpers to HK$6,500 (US$833) a month and for their food subsidy to be doubled.

The Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions on Sunday blamed current government policy for having left many helpers in a “hungry and malnourished” condition. Federation representatives raised the demands at a meeting with Labour Department officials.

“The value of our work and our contribution to the economy has to be reflected in our wages,” federation chairwoman Phobsuk Gasing said.

“So many women in Hong Kong are able to pursue their careers because we take responsibility for household duties and care work. Inflation affects our families too, and token adjustments to the [minimum wage] are insulting.

“It is basically like almsgiving.”

The minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers was raised to HK$4,990 a month last year, up from HK$4,870. Employers must provide their helpers with free food or they can choose to pay an allowance of not less than HK$1,236 a month instead.