HONGKONG International Terminals (HIT) has announced agreements with independent stevedoring contractors that cover the costs of a 5.5 per cent cross-the-board raise for the Hong Kong dockers they employ for 2015-2016.
HONGKONG International Terminals (HIT) has announced agreements with independent stevedoring contractors that cover the costs of a 5.5 per cent cross-the-board raise for the Hong Kong dockers they employ for 2015-2016.
The Hutchison unit said it has strengthened communication with stevedoring contractors, who directly hire the dockers, and have also made improvements to the working environment.
"When setting the terms of the 2015-2016 service contracts, HIT took into consideration the pay increase offered by external contractors, the business outlook, the company's performance, and the operating environment for the company and the industry," said the company statement.
"External contractors announced a 5.5 per cent increase in basic salary for their workers in the coming year, above the 2014 inflation rate of 4.4 per cent. Ninety-five per cent of their workers have given written consent to the pay rise," said the HIT statement.
To cover this, HIT's external contractor workers have received a cumulative increase in monthly pay of 26.9 per cent since 2013 and a 44.9 per cent increase over the past five years. In May 2014, HIT introduced a continuing incentive programme to reward workers for maintaining productivity.
HIT noted that the drop in throughput at Kwai Tsing terminals during the first quarter of 2015 combined with uncertainties in the global economy and international trade, need to be addressed.
"Joint efforts would be needed within the industry to enhance efficiency and competitiveness and ensure Hong Kong retains its status as a major regional shipping hub and transshipment port," the statement said.
HIT is a member company of Singapore-listed HPH Trust, and also a part of Hutchison Port Holdings' global network of port and logistics operations, which in turn is a subsidiary of Hong Kong's multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Limited.
The Hutchison unit said it has strengthened communication with stevedoring contractors, who directly hire the dockers, and have also made improvements to the working environment.
"When setting the terms of the 2015-2016 service contracts, HIT took into consideration the pay increase offered by external contractors, the business outlook, the company's performance, and the operating environment for the company and the industry," said the company statement.
"External contractors announced a 5.5 per cent increase in basic salary for their workers in the coming year, above the 2014 inflation rate of 4.4 per cent. Ninety-five per cent of their workers have given written consent to the pay rise," said the HIT statement.
To cover this, HIT's external contractor workers have received a cumulative increase in monthly pay of 26.9 per cent since 2013 and a 44.9 per cent increase over the past five years. In May 2014, HIT introduced a continuing incentive programme to reward workers for maintaining productivity.
HIT noted that the drop in throughput at Kwai Tsing terminals during the first quarter of 2015 combined with uncertainties in the global economy and international trade, need to be addressed.
"Joint efforts would be needed within the industry to enhance efficiency and competitiveness and ensure Hong Kong retains its status as a major regional shipping hub and transshipment port," the statement said.
HIT is a member company of Singapore-listed HPH Trust, and also a part of Hutchison Port Holdings' global network of port and logistics operations, which in turn is a subsidiary of Hong Kong's multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Limited.
Hongkong International Terminals Averts Strike
Port of Hong Kong’s container terminal operator Hongkong International Terminals Limited (HIT) has agreed to a 5.5% increase in basic salary for workers hired by external contractors, avoiding the industrial action announced last week by the Union of Hong Kong Dockers.
HIT says that 95% of the workers have given their written consent to the pay increase stipulated within service contracts for 2015-2016.
HIT’s external contractor workers have received a cumulative increase in monthly pay of 26.9% since 2013 and a 44.9% increase over the past five years, the operator says in a release.
The Union of Hong Kong Dockers initially asked for an 8.5% pay rise, and for improved communication with the contractors.
The Port of Hong Kong recorded a drop in volumes handled in the first quarter of 2015, which HIT attributed to the uncertainties in the global economy and international trade.
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