138 | Employment
In December 2005, the average monthly wage rate for supervisory, technical, clerical and miscellaneous non-production workers in the wholesale, retail and import and export trades, restaurants and hotels sector was $11,735. Based on the wage indices, the average wage rate for this group increased by 1.5 per cent in money terms, but dropped by 0.2 per cent in real terms, compared with December 2004.
Over the same period, the average wage rate in the manufacturing sector increased by 2.5 per cent in money terms, or by 0.8 per cent in real terms. The overall average daily wage was $338 for craftsmen and operatives.
Labour Administration and Services
The Labour Department is headed by the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour (Labour), who also assumes the role of the Commissioner for Labour. It formulates and implements labour policies, enforces labour legislation, provides free employment services to employers and job-seekers, promotes harmonious labour relations and responsible trade unionism, safeguards employees' rights and benefits and protects the occupational safety, health and welfare of the workforce.
Labour Legislation
The Labour Department administers Hong Kong's labour laws. Labour legislation has been enacted which, supplemented by administrative measures, enables Hong Kong to meet internationally accepted labour standards.
In 2005, the Employees' Compensation Ordinance was amended to include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Avian Influenza A as prescribed occupational diseases. The amendment aims at expediting the compensation process for employees infected with the two occupational diseases in the course of their work in specified high-risk occupations. A corresponding amendment has also been made to the list of occupational diseases specified in the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance to enable the Labour Department to better monitor the health of workers who are at risk of occupational diseases.
During 2005, there were 5 507 prosecutions for breaches of various ordinances and regulations administered by the Labour Department. Fines totalling $19,829,997 were imposed.
International Labour Affairs
Hong Kong applies 41 international labour conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These conventions prescribe international standards on various labour matters and have a significant influence on the formulation of Hong Kong's labour legislation.
In 2005, Hong Kong continued to participate actively in the activities of the ILO in order to keep abreast of the latest developments in international labour matters. In June, a tripartite team comprising government, employer and employee representatives from Hong Kong participated in the 93rd Session of the International Labour Conference as advisers to the delegation of China. Representatives from Hong
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