The salary increase, which was announced by the Hong Kong government late on Sept. 30, was met with dismay by migrants groups, led by United Filipinos – Migrante Hong Kong.
Unifil chair Dolores Balladares said the pay hike was disappointing, as workers had been calling for a $5,000 monthly salary, up from $4,210, to be more realistic.
“We are disappointed. We’re not happy at the piecemeal increase because our demand was $5,000, as that’s what we see as livable wage in Hong Kong, where the cost of living such as food and fares is too high,” Balladares told The SUN.
“The $100 increase will have no effect on our salaries. It will be barely enough, because we spend a large part of our pay in Hong Kong, so kulang na kulang pa rin,” Balladares said.
She added that her group will continue to press for a pay hike despite the decision.
Under the standard employment contract for hiring FDHs, employers are required to provide helpers with free food, or pay a food allowance. This allowance, previously pegged at $995 a month, will now rise to $1,037.
The new wage and food allowance levels apply to all contracts signed on or after Oct 1.
According to a government statement, the new pay levels were set in line with Hong Kong’s economic and labor market situations in the past year, as reflected in a “basket of economic indicators, including income movement and price change”.
The statement also said the government also tried to strike a balance between affordability for employers and the livelihood of FDHs.
Contracts signed before Oct 1 or earlier at the previous wage level of $4,210 a month and food allowance of not less than $995 a month will still be processed by the Immigration Department provided the applications reach the department on or before Oct 28.
This arrangement will give employers sufficient time to send the signed contracts to Immigration for completion of the necessary application procedures. – with a report from Vir B. Lumicao
