HK construction workers face underemployment and pay cuts, union survey finds
A new survey by the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union reveals widespread underemployment and wage stagnation among over 1,000 frontline workers, with nearly 70 per cent earning below union-published reference wages. The union blames a reduction in infrastructure projects and ca
Hong Kong construction workers are experiencing significant underemployment and wage pressure, with many earning less than the reference wage levels published by their union, according to a new survey by the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union.
The union surveyed more than 1,000 frontline workers between August and September through telephone interviews and questionnaires. Over half of respondents said their wages had remained unchanged over the past year, while around 40 per cent reported a pay cut. The union attributed the decline to a reduction in the number of infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, which it said had led to fewer job opportunities.
Nearly 70 per cent of respondents also said their actual earnings were below the wage levels published by the union. In response, the union announced that wages for 15 major construction trades would be frozen for the 2026/27 financial year. Marble workers will be the only exception, with their daily wage rising by HK$100 to HK$1,600 from 1 November.
The union urged the government to establish an interdepartmental employment coordination mechanism to improve job matching for construction workers. It also called for a more comprehensive career development pathway for local workers to strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline, alongside improvements to occupational safety standards.