In the statement HIT called for joint efforts to address a year-on-year drop in container throughput at its’ Kwai Tsing container port. Although the decrease, during the first quarter 2015, was contributed to uncertainties in the global economy and international trade, HIT urged for joint efforts within the industry to enhance efficiency and competitiveness and ensure Hong Kong retains its status as a major regional shipping hub and trans-shipment port.
For the first three months in 2015, HIT handled 3.9 million TEU at its’ Kwai Tsing port.
Additionally, HIT announced that external contractors had agreed to a 5.5% increase in basic salary for their workers in the coming year, which is above the 2014 inflation rate of 4.4%. About 95% of their workers have given written consent to the pay rise.
HIT’s external contract workers have received a cumulative increase in monthly pay of 26.9% since 2013, and a 44.9% increase over the past five years. In May 2014 HIT introduced an incentive programme to reward workers for maintaining productivity under safe operating conditions. The programme will continue in the coming year.
In recent years, the company has strengthened communication with external contractors and workers and has made significant improvements to the working environment.