"The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right to work,
which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living
by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps
to safeguard this right ¡K¡K. to achieve the full realization of this right
shall include technical and vocational guidance and training programmes, policies
and techniques ¡K¡K"(extracted from Article 6 of ICESCR )
"The States to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to
the enjoyment of just and favorable conditions of work which ensure ¡K. fair
wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value without distinction of
any kind, in particular women being guaranteed conditions of work not inferior
to those enjoyed by men, with equal pay for equal work¡K Safe and healthy working
conditions; equal opportunity; rest, leisure and reasonable limitation of
working hours and periodic holidays with pay, as well as remuneration for
public holidays." (extracted from Article 7 of ICESCR)
Everyone should have equal right to work. We all hope to secure a stable job. The trend of globalization has brought problems of widespread layoff, unemployment, underemployment and wage reduction .
As Hong Kong is undergoing substantive economic restructuring and is turning more to a knowledge-based economy A total of 700,000 unskillful and semi-skilled workers, particularly the middle-aged and elderly ones, are being kicked out of the labour market. Losing the job means that they also lose their self-dignity and means of living. However, the Government lacks an overall industrial policy, the result of which is driving the marginal workers to prolonged unemployment. Some 60,000 old-age workers are living from hand to mouth. The "survivors" in the market are yielded to humiliating working conditions that drive them to virtual slavery. Their wages are low and they are not protected by the long arm of the labour law.
SoCO has conducted detailed study of the crisis and problems
of young, middle-aged and elderly workers. Together with these workers, we exposed
their grievances and needs to the Government. We urge the Government to review
the vocational training programme, create job opportunities and implement a
universal retirement scheme in order to make everybody fully enjoy equal working
opportunity and acceptable working environment.