[100614.EN.BIZ] HIT Wins 97pc Participation in Hong Kong Docker Incentive Scheme

HONGKONG International Terminals Limited (HIT) has announced that its incentive programme has already achieved 97 per cent implementation among its "2,300 external contractor workers" since the scheme was introduced in early May.

The Hutchison Port Holdings terminal operator makes use of the term "external contract workers" for dockers or dock workers to make a distinction between itself and the stevedoring companies they employ, which in turn hire the dockers.

When striking dockers last year protested before the Cheong Kong Centre, where the Hutchison organisation is based, the company protested that the workers' quarrel was with their direct employers and not the terminal operator.

Nonetheless, the dockers will receive an incentive pay amounting to at least 4.1 per cent, of whom 11 per will receive five per cent or higher from HIT, a unit of Hutchison Whampoa.

The level of incentive pay for two per cent of dock workers did not reach the 4.1 per cent level last month because they were unable to work on their normal shifts due to annual leave and other reasons.

For less than one per cent of employees their incentive pay was below 4.1 per cent as a result of a drop in productivity.

The six per cent basic salary increase and incentive pay for the month of May will be paid to workers in the June payroll through the external contractors, a company statement said.

Source : HKSG.