Postmaster General Meets Union During Leave Over Contract Changes, Offers 5 Concessions
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Post announced that starting September, staff completing their probation period will no longer receive permanent positions. Instead, they will be renewed with two-year civil service contracts, affecting approximately 200 employees. Despite being on approved leave from August 19 to 21, Postmaster General Teresa Tai Shu-yiu met with the Hong Kong Post Employees' Union and legislators on August 21 to address growing concerns over the controversial employment changes.
Key Points
- About 200 postal workers completing probation from September onwards will receive two-year contracts instead of permanent positions
- Postmaster General Teresa Tai Shu-yiu met with union representatives while on approved leave, with Deputy Postmaster General Chan Heung-lai acting in her absence
- The government agreed to extend the contract signing deadline by two weeks, allowing affected staff until September 17 to respond
- The Civil Service Bureau committed to studying priority cross-departmental transfer arrangements for affected employees
- Legislator Chow Chung-pong warned the changes could undermine confidence in the civil service employment system
Why It Matters
The contract changes represent a significant departure from Hong Kong's traditional civil service model of permanent employment, with union leaders and legislators warning that the decision could affect recruitment and retention in the public sector. The government's willingness to negotiate and offer concessions suggests recognition of potential damage to staff morale and public confidence in the civil service hiring system.
The contract changes represent a significant departure from Hong Kong's traditional civil service model of permanent employment, with union leaders and legislators warning that the decision could affect recruitment and retention in the public sector. The government's willingness to negotiate and offer concessions suggests recognition of potential damage to staff morale and public confidence in the civil service hiring system.