More than 1800 workers and supporters joined the May Day rally and march organized by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) on Labour Day. The HKCTU called for improvement of workers rights, minimum wages, shorter working hours and to end the “on-going collusion between the government and businessmen”.

Under a high temperature of 31oC the protesters marched from Victoria Park to the Central Government Offices, a journey that took more than two hours to complete. Lee Cheuk-yan, HKCTU General Secretary and Legislator, said workers had been badly exploited during the economic recession, working longer hours for less money.

The HKCTU also linked its cause to demands for universal suffrage for the elections of the chief executive in 2007 and the Legislative Council in 2008. “Workers will be further exploited if government is not fully elected and continues to allow the business sector to influence major policies,” Mr. Lee said.

Two banners in English and Chinese showed “Respect” of the Global Unions and “ Fair Play at the Olympics – Respect Sportswear Workers’ Rights” of the Clothing Industry, Clerical and Retail Trade Employees General Union were carried by the demonstrators all the way to the government offices.

A 20,000-signature petition voicing the protesters’ grievances was received by a representative of the government.

Photos showing the “Two banners".

In Solidarity,

Michael Siu
International Secretary, HKCTU