The majority of Hong Kongs bosses organizations have thrown their weight behind the introduction of a minimum wage.

Of the four major chambers of commerce, only the Federation of Hong Kong Industries has voiced opposition. Chinese Manufacturers Association of Hong Kong president Paul Yin Tek- shing visited Britain recently to study its implementation there.

He told The Standard the British model covers workers in all sectors and is set at 40 percent of the average wage. As Hong Kong used to be a British colony, it is worth making reference to the British model.

A procession of salary call in Hong Kong in 2008. (www.hkctu.org.hk)

Yin added that Hong Kongs labor sector wants the minimum wage set at 60 percent of the territorys average but the business sector has yet to reach a consensus on the figure. In Britain the level is reviewed every two years, which has led to rises in the minimum wage.

He also said his association agrees that the government complete the enactment of legislation by the end of this year and implement it in 2009.

According to the British experience, there is not any big impact after implementation, Yin said. But he added some employers may cut staff benefits and training.

We give the green light to a minimum wage because we want to show social responsibility and want to have a good employer image, Yin said.

He believes the Chinese Chamber of Commerce also backs the plans.

Meanwhile, a source told The Standard that the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerces general committee which composes many major corporations also has a consensus on minimum wage laws.

Many places in the world apply a minimum wage across every sector. As responsible employers, the chamber does not want to use delaying tactics, the source said.

However, Federation of Hong Kong Industries chairman Clement Chen Cheng-jen says the move violates laissez-faire principles. We believe wages can be adjusted through the supply and demand mechanism of the market, Chen said.

Employers Federation of Hong Kong vice chairman Brian Renwick also opposes the legislation, fearing it will reduce job opportunities but said no firm position has been reached.