Thousands of foreign domestic workers took to the streets of Hong Kong yesterday in a bid to persuade the government not to carry out a planned cut in their minimum wage.
Some 4,000 maids, mainly from the Philippines, rallied in Chater Garden in the financial district of Central to pray that the government does not cut their wages by up to 20 percent.
PHOTO: AP
As the territory hovers on the brink of recession, the government has been considering cutting the minimum monthly salary from HK$3,670 (US$470) to between US$3,120 and US$2,876 for a six-day working week.
Liza Diaz, spokesperson for the religious group "Jesus is lord," maintained "it is not a protest, but a prayer rally aimed to pray for the maintenance of the minimum wage."
She said the rally was "to appeal for the goodness of the Hong Kong government and its people" to acknowledge the vital role that foreign domestic workers have played in its economic prosperity.
The rally was led by Bishop Eddie Villanueva while the maids all wore red t-shirts to symbolize their unity.
Senior diplomats from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Nepal have all urged Hong Kong not to implement the minimum wage cut.
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has also appealed to the Hong Kong authorities to impose less drastic cuts.
Local legislators have argued for a cut in the minimum wage on the grounds that the economic downturn has resulted in a fall in prices.
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