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Contractors warned against breaching importing labour rules

The Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, today (Friday) issued a stern warning to contractors hiring imported workers that the Government will take swift and firm action, including prosecution, against anyone who have breached the conditions for importing labours.

At a media session to state the Government's position on the recent labour disputes incidents occurred at new airport related projects construction sites, Mr Wong stressed that the Administration was very concerned about the issue and he cautioned against any retribution of workers involved in the industrial action.

Mr Wong, however, noted that the contractors had given a written undertaking that they would not dismiss imported workers for their involvement in the disputes.

"The Government has responded quickly to the situation and provided on-the- spot assistance to the workers. As a result, the disputes had been resolved but we will continue to monitor the situation closely," he said.

Mr Wong pointed out that the Labour Department had been in contact with NCNA to discuss how to co-ordinate efforts to protect the interest of workers working in Hong Kong.

"I shall hold a meeting with the top management of the Provisional Airport Authorities and the MTRC next week to discuss how to ensure that project contractors will not abuse the special scheme.

"Government has already put in place a number of measures to protect the rights of the imported workers under Hong Kong's labour legislation, and we shall do more in this direction," Mr Wong said.

He said a number of improvement measures had been introduced since this month to give better protection to workers.

Under the new arrangements, contractors are obliged to give briefings to workers within eight weeks on their arrival.

Arrangements have also be made for the workers who arrived in Hong Kong

earlier to receive similar briefings within the next few weeks.

"Contractors are also required to make available copies of the employment contract and monthly wage record, bank statements to workers. They are also advised not to keep passports and bank books of the imported workers," Mr Wong said.