May Day Rally and March in Hong Kong

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 coalition between the government and businessmen.

Under a high temperature of 31°C 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 the Global Unions", "Fair Play at the Olympics", and "Respect Sportswear Workers Rights." They were carried by demonstrators of the Clothing Industry, Clerical and Retail Trade Employees General Union, all the way to the government offices.

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

In Solidarity,

Michael Siu
International Secretary, HKCTU
Hong Kong