In a coordinated effort to push for better working conditions, hundreds of migrant domestic workers gathered outside the Philippine and Indonesian consulates in Hong Kong on Sunday, September 15, 2024. The demonstrators, representing various Asian countries, called on their governments to support their campaign for a living wage and improved labor protections.
The Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body (AMCB), a coalition of migrant organizations from Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, organized the rallies. Protesters assembled in Admiralty and Causeway Bay, demanding their respective consulates take a more active role in advocating for their rights with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
“We expect them to immediately hold government-to-government talks related to our demand for a living wage for all,” said Eni Lestari, a spokesperson for AMCB. “Their support to our demands is long overdue!”
The AMCB has been at the forefront of the “Living Wage for All” campaign since 2019, aiming to improve conditions for over 300,000 migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. Their demands include a monthly wage of HKD 6,172 (approximately USD 790) and a monthly food allowance of HKD 3,123 (USD 400).
Protesters expressed frustration with the HKSAR’s annual wage review process, which they claim consistently ignores their proposals. The government typically announces wage decisions in the third quarter of each year, following a public consultation period.
“It is not acceptable for them to remain silent amidst the price increase of basic commodities in our homelands and in Hong Kong,” Lestari added.
The demonstration also addressed specific concerns for different nationalities, including calls to end mandatory fees, illegal recruitment practices, and human trafficking. Protesters urged their home governments to reconsider labor export policies that they say treat workers as “milking cows.”
As Hong Kong grapples with an aging population and increasing demand for domestic helpers, the issue of fair compensation and workers’ rights continues to gain prominence. The AMCB’s campaign highlights the growing pressure on both sending and receiving governments to address the concerns of this vital workforce.
The Hong Kong Labour Department and the consulates involved have yet to comment on Sunday’s demonstrations. As the annual wage review approaches, all eyes will be on the HKSAR government’s response to these persistent calls for reform.
