A recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union has revealed the negative impact of the government’s non-local labour scheme on local construction workers. The survey interviewed 2,005 construction workers, with 73.7% reporting a “very bad” or “bad” employment situation this year. Additionally, 35% of workers stated that they had been underemployed, highlighting the challenges faced by local workers in the construction industry.
One of the key findings of the survey was that 82.6% of workers reported that their jobs had been affected by the non-local labour scheme. This impact included increased unemployment among Hong Kong construction workers and reduced salaries. Nearly 30% of those interviewed reported a decrease in earnings over the past year, while almost 60% stated that their salary had remained stagnant.
Chau Sze-kit, the union’s chair, expressed concern about the current economic climate and slow business in the construction sector. He highlighted that only two out of 16 types of jobs in the industry could expect a salary increase, while the remaining 14 would see no change in salaries. This reflects the challenging conditions faced by construction workers in Hong Kong.
Since the introduction of the Labour Importation Scheme for the construction sector last year, 9,731 non-local workers have arrived to work on various construction sites. However, the union’s vice chair, Chiu Kin-keung, noted that the industry has suffered a downturn in business since the implementation of the scheme. Many property developers have halted new projects due to high interest rates, leading to a decrease in job opportunities for local workers.
In light of these challenges, the union has called on the government to review and adjust the non-local labour scheme. They have urged for the implementation of redevelopment and renovation projects to create more job opportunities for local construction workers. By attracting non-local workers and stimulating business in the construction sector, the union believes that the employment situation for local workers can improve.
Overall, the survey results underscore the difficulties faced by Hong Kong construction workers due to the influx of non-local labour. As the government considers policies to address the labour shortage in the industry, it is essential to prioritize the needs and concerns of local workers to ensure a fair and sustainable working environment for all.
