Labor groups demand minimum wage hike, higher food allowance for migrant domestic workers

Labor organizations are pressing Hong Kong authorities to significantly raise the minimum wage for migrant domestic workers, increase their food allowance, and mandate that employers provide essential cooling facilities like fans or air conditioning. The demands were issued separately by the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU) and the Asian Migrant Coordinating Body (AMCB) following consultations with the Labour Department.

FADWU is advocating for a 30 percent minimum wage hike, from the current HK$5,100 to HK$6,670 per month. The union highlighted historical wage freezes and cuts, particularly in the decade following the 1997 Handover, arguing that these reductions have been substantial when accounting for inflation. They also proposed increasing the monthly food allowance to at least HK$2,770, citing nutritional standards for adults, a significant jump from the current HK$1,236.

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We have workers whose rooms have no windows, no fans. The government should revise the standard contract to state clearly that, in addition to adequate lighting, workers’ accommodation must also include proper ventilation and the provision of fans or air-conditioning facilities.

Furthermore, FADWU addressed the challenges posed by climate change, urging the government to establish guidelines for working in high temperatures. They called for an update to the standard employment contract to explicitly require "humane" ventilation, including fans or air conditioning, noting that some workers' accommodations lack windows or fans.

The AMCB echoed some of these concerns, proposing a 21 percent increase in the minimum wage to HK$6,172, which they deem a living wage. They also requested a higher food allowance of HK$3,123 per month. The AMCB's broader demands include legislating working hours and abolishing the mandatory live-in requirement for domestic workers.

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We have workers whose rooms have no windows, no fans. The government should revise the standard contract to state clearly that, in addition to adequate lighting, workers’ accommodation must also include proper ventilation and the provision of fans or air-conditioning facilities.