A union representing Hong Kong's foreign domestic helpers has urged authorities to more than double their monthly food allowance to HK$2,770, arguing the current stipend is inadequate. Representatives from the Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions met Labour Department officials on Sunday after staging a protest.
The union says the existing average of HK$13.30 per meal is no longer sufficient due to rising costs of living. The demand comes as part of broader complaints about wages and working conditions for the city's roughly 350,000 foreign domestic workers.
Alongside the food allowance increase, the groups demanded a rise in the monthly minimum wage to HK$6,670. They also presented contract-related grievances, though specific details were not disclosed.
The Labour Department has not yet issued a formal response to the proposals. The current minimum wage and food allowance levels remain unchanged pending government review.
Critics argue that significant increases could burden employers and lead to fewer contract renewals, potentially harming the workers the union aims to protect. Forces outside the union's control, such as employer sentiment and economic conditions, will influence the outcome of these talks.