【明報專訊】Earlier Café de Coral (大家樂) announced raising its hourly wage rate from about $22 to about $24. It subsequently came to light that its workers' mealtimes would not count as part of their working hours. Therefore, despite the rise in the hourly rate, some of its workers are actually paid less. That has provoked bitter resentment among its employees.
Critics say Café de Coral's rate increase is a "wage cut in disguise". A spokesman for the company denied the new system was exploitative, saying it was common in the catering industry not to count employees' mealtimes as part of their working hours. The company has guaranteed none of its employees would be paid less than they are. However, according to unionists, Café de Coral workers' wages have actually dropped. The company has required its employees to sign a contract whose terms are misleading. It is believed to be in contravention of the usual regulations. Trade unions have criticised Café de Coral for not allowing them a seven-day consideration period. The spokesman has pointed out that trade unions may organise demonstrations against the new wage system. A Facebook group has been formed to call on the public to boycott Café de Coral.
■Keywords
wage 工資
exploit 剝削
■Questions
1. What is Café de Coral criticised for?
2. Do you think the new wage system reasonable?
3. What can the government do to intervene in the affair?
■Further reading
The Standard. "No free lunches for Cafe de Coral staff", 2010.10.29
