Hong Kong Free Press has partnered with Oxfam to support the Living Wage campaign, ensuring fair pay for all staff members. Thanks to the support from HKFP Patrons and supporters, our newsroom now provides a wage that is in line with international news outlets. This includes offering a health care plan, mental health support, and other benefits to our employees.
The impact of the pandemic on the labor market in Hong Kong has been significant. There have been challenges such as a skill mismatch in the post-pandemic period. Many employers have struggled with recruitment and retention of staff due to a labor shortage. Workers, on the other hand, have been affected by the freeze on the statutory minimum wage for the past four years. Although the minimum wage will be raised to $40/hour starting May 1, 2023, it may not be enough to keep up with inflation, especially in terms of essential needs like food and energy.
A living wage ensures that workers can afford their basic cost of living, transportation, and other necessary expenses. This, in turn, can attract economically inactive individuals back to the workforce and help alleviate the labor shortage in Hong Kong. By paying a living wage, employers can address the issue of working poverty, recruit and retain talent more effectively, and show their commitment to fair wages, attracting young talents to their companies.
At Hong Kong Free Press, we prioritize diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all our employees. We have implemented Trust Project-backed policies and established a Freelance Charter in 2020 to ensure fair terms and conditions for external contributors. The living wage is calculated based on the Anker Living Wage Method, which takes into account the cost of food, water, housing, education, health care, transport, clothing, and other essential needs for a worker and their family to afford a decent standard of living.
The latest living wage standard for 2024 in Hong Kong is HK$61.5 per hour, as recognized by Oxfam. Employers who pay a living wage are awarded the “Living Wage Employer Logo” to acknowledge their commitment to fair pay. The living wage movement, originating in the UK in 2011, aims to provide employees and their families with the means to meet basic needs and live a decent life.
Tom Grundy, the founder of Hong Kong Free Press, has been a strong advocate for press freedom and ethical journalism. With a background in communications and journalism, he has led HKFP in supporting the Living Wage campaign and ensuring fair pay for all staff members. By partnering with Oxfam, HKFP is taking a step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable labor market in Hong Kong.
