The Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union wants the government to trial monthly wages on public works projects, saying the system could make construction workers’ pay more stable. It favours projects with steadier work sequences, longer continuous periods and more mature management. More than six in ten respondents to its survey supported monthly pay.
The proposal accompanied the union’s 2026/27 wage schedule, announced on 21 October. From 1 November 2026, the marble trade’s daily rate is due to rise by HK$100, from HK$1,500 to HK$1,600. The other 15 established trades are to have no increase.
The union’s survey of members received 1,099 valid responses in August and September. About four in ten respondents said their pay had fallen over the previous year, while more than half reported no change. The findings describe the surveyed members, rather than the whole construction workforce.
Work patterns varied: half said they had worked five to seven days a week in the previous three months, while 23% said they had no work. The survey also found that 18% were frequently owed wages and 25% were sometimes owed wages.
The union said monthly wages might be slightly lower than daily rates, but could make payments more predictable and offer greater protection when pay disputes arise. Its deputy chairman said court proceedings over disputes under the daily-wage system can take months to a year. The union hopes a government-project trial would provide a model for private-sector work.