A major construction workers union in Hong Kong is urging the government to enhance oversight of the industry, citing numerous complaints about the exploitation of imported laborers.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, the Construction Industry Employees General Union said it believes over 100 migrant workers have faced abusive practices. The union alleged that some workers have been forced to work extra shifts without pay, and have had to pay for mandatory training and the tools required for their jobs.
The union’s rights and complaints officer, Ng Wai-leung, stated that the complaints they have received are likely just the “tip of the iceberg,” suggesting that many mistreated workers remain silent out of fear of retaliation.
“They don’t want to be blacklisted by their company, making them not able to come to Hong Kong again. This is their main concern,” Ng told reporters.
The union further claimed that a company involved in the construction of the airport’s third runway project had confiscated more than half of some workers’ salaries after demanding they hand over their ATM cards.
Ng added that the union has assisted workers who were subsequently fired and deported from Hong Kong after seeking help.
The revelations come amid longstanding concerns over the treatment of migrant laborers in Hong Kong’s lucrative construction industry. Union leaders are now pressing the government to implement stronger monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to protect worker rights.
“These cases of exploitation are unacceptable and demand immediate action,” said Ng. “We urge the authorities to step up oversight to ensure basic protections for all construction workers in Hong Kong.”
