Sacking was politically motivated: ex-YMCA workers

Ex-YMCA workers hold up a hoop with Labour Party legislator Fernando Cheung and other unions to show their unity. Photo: RTHK

Ex-YMCA workers hold a hoop with Labour Party legislator Fernando Cheung and other unions to show their unity. Photo: RTHK

A group of sacked and current employees of the YMCA of Hong Kong says the recent lay-offs were politically motivated and aimed at stifling the formation of a new union.



The charity fired 28 staff more than a week ago citing financial difficulties. But the group said two of the sacked workers were executive members of a committee preparing to set up a union.



Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung, who's helping the workers, said: "The entire social service division has been laid off, including a supervisor. One would imagine that the social services under the YMCA of Hong Kong would be severely affected."



Cheung also said that the charity’s chief executive officer had expressed opposition to employees forming unions.



Earlier this month, it was reported that the Labour Department has received hundreds of applications to set up new trade unions since the mass social unrest erupted last summer.



Registered unions, many of which are linked to political parties, can vote for the three seats that represent the labour sector in Legco, and are eligible to vote for representatives on the election committee which decides who becomes Hong Kong’s Chief Executive.