More than 500 unionists and lawmakers flocked to the Central Government Offices in Central yesterday to demand a minimum wage and maximum working hours.
First to arrive was the Confederation of Trade Unions which staged a memorial service at 11am.
Twenty union members paid tribute to six workers and two teachers who they claim died in accidents or committed suicide earlier this year because of the fatigue and stress they were suffering as a result of too much work.
Union secretary and legislator Lee Cheuk-yan said it was important that legislation be introduced to regulate working hours.
'There are now 700,000 workers, 40 per cent more than five years ago, who spend 60 hours or more per week at work, and they are not getting any overtime payment.'
A much bigger rally was held a few hours later by the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.
