CE: We're resolute in stopping violence, restoring order

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions hosted a reception on Sunday to celebrate the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Among the dignitaries present were Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet ngor, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Chen Dong, and representatives of various groups in the SAR.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will be resolute in ending the protracted violence and restoring social order, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Sunday.

In so doing, the city's workers will be protected as unemployment goes up amid the unrest, she told at a reception hosted by the city's largest labor party – the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions – to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Lam said Hong Kong society is facing a major challenge as the continued violence has had a great impact on those in the labor sector.

For more than three months, the violent and illegal protests have seriously hurt local businesses, in particular, tourism, catering and retailing. According to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, tourist arrivals in Hong Kong plunged almost 40 percent last month, year-on-year – the steepest drop since the SARS epidemic in 2003.

In the hotel industry, about 77 percent of workers have been asked to take unpaid leave of up to three days, according to a survey by the Hotels, Food and Beverage Employees Association last week. Some 46 percent expect their monthly income to be cut by as much as HK$3,000 ($383), while nearly 43 percent believe that hotels will cut jobs if the situation worsens.

Lam said the government has implemented various policies to protect labor rights, such as extending paternity leave, enhancing protection for non-skilled workers employed by government service contractors, and raising the minimum wage. She said the government will continue to strengthen labor rights in the city.

HKFTU Chairman Ng Chau-pei said the union will continue to support the government in its governance and efforts to halt the violence.

To deal with the social deadlock, the HKFTU urged the SAR government to host dialogues with workers and promote social reform to solve the city's deep-seated problems.

Chen Dong, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said with the joint efforts of the Hong Kong government and people from all walks of life, as well as the nation's backing, Hong Kong will soon see peace and shine again.