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The Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB-IMA) express mixed emotions to the recent announcement of the Labour Department to increase the monthly minimum allowable wage for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to HK$5,100.

While AMCB-IMA acknowledges that the latest as well as previous pay hikes for MDWs were due to the relentless campaigning of MDW groups for wage increase, the announced increase is a far cry from the coalition’s call for a living wage currently pegged at HK$6,172.

The call for a living wage is not just simply a wage increase, it is a demand against slave wage and to provide decent living not only for the MDWs but for all HK workers, who are also MDWs employers.  The HK economic crisis and problems of inflation should be addressed by the HK government, not left to be burdened by MDWs.

AMCB-IMA is the biggest coalition of migrant domestic workers’ associations and unions of various nationalities in Hong Kong. It is also at the forefront of the campaign for a living wage for MDWs in Hong Kong.

The coalition strongly criticises the decision of the LD to retain the food allowance to its current level, a seriously unhealthy and insufficient food allowance, especially in the face of continuing food price increases in the territory. Such a move will leave many MDWs to struggle with whatever little finances they have in order to afford decent meals every day.

MDWs are workers who, like every working person, deserve to be treated fairly, equally and justly, our rights upheld and protected, provided access to services, and our demands listened to and acted upon. They are people with human rights, not slaves, criminals or undesirables who are reckoned by some anti-migrant groups as worthy of a wage freeze.

AMCB-IMA reiterates the importance of holding collective actions to advance the rightful demand for a living wage for all workers in Hong Kong including migrant domestic workers.

Finally, AMCB-IMA remains committed to continue the fight not only for living wage but also better working and living conditions, and for fair and just treatment of all local and migrant workers in Hong Kong.