Hong Kong, July 31, 2024 — Leaders from the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU), alongside several migrant groups and NGOs, convened with Labour Department officials today to advocate for much-needed wage increases and improved living conditions for migrant domestic workers (MDWs).
The meeting, held at the Labour Department’s headquarters in Central, was led by Miss Drew Lai, Assistant Commissioner for Policy Support. FADWU representatives seized the opportunity to demand a monthly wage of HK$6,300 and a food allowance of HK$2,700.
A Glaring Economic Disparity
Research from Enrich highlights the crucial role that migrant domestic workers play in Hong Kong’s economy, contributing approximately 3.6% to the local GDP and freeing up 30% of the local female workforce. Despite their significant contributions, MDWs are often subjected to dire economic realities, earning an hourly wage of just HK$6.70—far below the statutory minimum wage of HK$40.
Over the past 26 years, MDW salaries have increased by only HK$1,010, a mere 26%, despite inflation soaring by 50%. This wage stagnation reflects a systemic issue where the government has avoided investing in long-term care policies, effectively offloading the burden onto families and cheap labor from abroad.
Struggles for Survival
Migrant domestic workers not only face challenges in Hong Kong but also bear the weight of supporting families back home, many of whom are grappling with rising costs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers report having to borrow money just to make ends meet, underscoring the urgent need for a living wage that allows for savings and retirement.
Inadequate Food Provisions
A 2023 survey from Caritas revealed that 36% of migrant domestic workers frequently experience hunger, affecting nearly 130,000 individuals. Current contracts provide no standard for adequate food, often allowing employers to classify minimal provisions—a piece of bread or an egg—as a meal.
The government’s food allowance of only HK$40 per day falls woefully short of nutritional needs outlined by health experts, who recommend a balanced diet comprising grains, vegetables, fruits, protein, and dairy.
FADWU insists that the food allowance must be raised to HK$2,700, reflecting the minimum monthly food expenditure for a one-person household, based on Oxfam’s living wage report.
A Call for Respect and Equality
As the Labour Department emphasized the need for employers to respect workers’ rights, FADWU leaders stressed that migrant workers deserve to be treated with dignity and equality. “Domestic workers are the cornerstone of society,” they declared. “We should enjoy the same rights and respect as everyone else.”
The meeting marks a crucial moment in the ongoing fight for fairness and recognition of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. As these leaders continue to advocate for their rights, the call for justice and equity echoes louder than ever.
