Outsourced security and cleaning services by government contractors could come to a halt on Sept. 3. Photo: CNSA
A union of government contractors is threatening to give all security guards and cleaners working at government-managed public housing estates, properties and streets the day off on Sept. 3.
It said the government has refused to pay HK$9 million in wages needed to maintain the outsourced services on the newly added public holiday, Ming Pao Daily reported Tuesday.
The union said its members have to arrange time off for their 30,000 security and cleaning staff on the new holiday, which commemorates the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people over Japanese invaders in 1945.
It said HK$9 million will be required to hire temporary workers for the holiday, which the government has refused to pay.
The union said unless the government is willing to cover the additional cost or special arrangements are made, all the 30,000 workers will go on holiday on Sept. 3.
The Government Property Agency (GPA) said the contracts stated clearly that services at the right quality level must be provided by the outsourced-service contractors within the contract period, which includes Sept. 3.
The GPA said it has communicated with various service contractors and has reached a consensus with them.
Its claims were, however, denied by Poon Kin-leung, spokesman for the union, who said nothing had been agreed so far.
Poon said the government is probably assuming the service contractors are only bluffing and that the suspension of services is unlikely to take place.
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