Only HK excavator operators get pay rise amid a freeze construction wages

The Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union said that starting next month, only one of the 16 major construction trades will receive a pay rise, while the rest will remain frozen.

The union says the main reason is a decline in market construction volume and the pinch on the industry is here to stay for some time.

Excavator operators are the only group receiving a raise because of the higher demand for assembly, rigging and hoisting workers.

They will receive a 50-dollar increase in their daily rate to 1,600 dollars.

Other trades, including rebar, concrete, scaffolding and plumbing workers, will remain at their current wages with 13 trades experiencing a third consecutive year of frozen salaries.

According to statistics unveiled yesterday, the jobless rate at the construction industry stands at 7.2 percent.