• 5.5% increase in basic salary starting in May for external contractor workers, increment above inflation
• 26.9% cumulative pay increase over the past 3 years and 44.9% increase over the past 5 years
• 95% of external contractor workers have already accepted the increment

[Hong Kong, 23 April 2015] Hongkong International Terminals Limited (HIT) today announced that agreements had been reached with external contractors on service contracts for 2015-2016. In recent years, the company has strengthened communication with external contractors and workers and made significant improvements to the working environment. When setting the terms of the 2015-2016 service contracts, HIT took into consideration the pay increase offered by external contractors, the business outlook, the company’s performance, and the operating environment for the company and the industry.

External contractors announced a 5.5% increase in basic salary for their workers in the coming year, above the 2014 inflation rate of 4.4%. 95% of their workers have given written consent to the pay rise.

HIT’s external contractor 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.

An HIT spokesperson noted that the drop in throughput at Kwai Tsing Container Port during the first quarter of 2015 combined with uncertainties in the global economy and international trade, need to be addressed. Joint efforts would be needed within the industry to enhance efficiency and competitiveness and ensure Hong Kong retains its status as a major regional shipping hub and transshipment port.