Unions of Hong Kong’s frontline civil servants unsatisfied with 4.51 per cent pay rise, want 5 per cent instead
The government considered factors such as economic outlook, other industries and the city’s coffers, but workers’ groups say public sector should not be pegged to private
The workers’ unions of frontline Hong Kong civil servants have expressed disappointment with an expected pay rise of 4.51 per cent this year, despite it being more than the 2.84 per cent initially suggested by government advisers.
On Tuesday, Li Kwai-yin, president of the 120,000-strong Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servants’ Association, said it was unsatisfied with the increase stipulated by the Executive Council. The association demanded a 5 per cent raise instead.
Li’s comments came after the Civil Service Bureau announced a pay rise of 4.06 per cent for highest earners and 4.51 per cent for middle-ranking and frontline officers.
Hong Kong payroll study calls for lowest pay rise for frontline civil servants since 2010
The offers, subject to final approval by the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee, would be effective retrospectively from April 1 this year.
The pay rise is based on results of a survey that tracked salary trends in the private sector over the past year. The government study had recommended increases of 2.84 per cent for frontline staff, 4.51 per cent for middle-ranking staff and 4.06 per cent for directorate grade and senior officers.
Civil servants need to enforce the law. But those in private firms do not. Our work natures cannot be compared
A bureau spokesman said the latest decision was made after considering factors such as the state of Hong Kong’s economy, cost of living, the government’s financial position, staff demands and morale, as well as industry trends.
