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South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
1 in 4 Hongkongers unaware of public healthcare fee waiver expansion: survey
One in four Hongkongers is unaware of the expansion of a medical fee waiver mechanism, a survey has found, with lawmakers urging the government to ramp up efforts to promote the public healthcare subsidy regime reform set to be implemented in six months. Advertisement The survey, involving 724 respondents and conducted by the city's largest workers' union between April 22 and May 13, revealed that some participants lacked a clear understanding of the measures aimed at broadening the safety net in public hospitals. Lawmaker Stanley Ng Chau-pei, president of the Federation of Trade Unions, said people were more familiar with the measures related to the fee increase, including in emergency rooms and general outpatient clinics. 'When residents have limited understanding of the reform, how can the government effectively implement the measures?' he said. 'The government should ramp up its efforts to promote the reform, especially in areas concerning how it will increase support for patients.' Advertisement Around 29 per cent of the respondents did not know about the relaxation of income and asset limits of the mechanism, while around a quarter had no idea about the HK$10,000 (US$1,274) cap on annual spending for public healthcare services.
Washington Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Chiquita fires thousands of striking banana workers in Panama, says it suffered $75 million losses
PANAMA CITY — Banana giant Chiquita Brands has fired its workers in Panama who have been out on strike for more than three weeks as part of nationwide protests against reforms to the social security system, the company said Thursday. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino had said earlier Thursday that the strike was illegal and included some 5,000 workers. 'Unfortunately, following the unjustified abandonment of work at our plantations and operations centers since April 28 and continuing today, (the company) has proceeded with the termination of all of our daily workers,' the company said in a statement. It said the company had suffered losses of at least $75 million. Mulino, speaking at his weekly press briefing Thursday morning, had blamed the leader of the banana workers union. 'We don't know how to talk to (union) leader Francisco Smith about the enormous damage his intransigence is causing the Bocas del Toro job sector,' Mulino said. Bocas del Toro is Panama's westernmost province and borders Costa Rica. The union did not immediately comment. Protests marches and occasional roadblocks have stretched from one end of the country to the other as teachers, construction workers and other unions expressed their rejection to changes the government said were necessary to keep the social security system solvent.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Chiquita fires thousands of striking banana workers in Panama, says it suffered $75 million losses
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Banana giant Chiquita Brands has fired its workers in Panama who have been out on strike for more than three weeks as part of nationwide protests against reforms to the social security system, the company said Thursday. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino had said earlier Thursday that the strike was illegal and included some 5,000 workers. 'Unfortunately, following the unjustified abandonment of work at our plantations and operations centers since April 28 and continuing today, (the company) has proceeded with the termination of all of our daily workers,' the company said in a statement. It said the company had suffered losses of at least $75 million. Mulino, speaking at his weekly press briefing Thursday morning, had blamed the leader of the banana workers union. 'We don't know how to talk to (union) leader Francisco Smith about the enormous damage his intransigence is causing the Bocas del Toro job sector,' Mulino said. Bocas del Toro is Panama's westernmost province and borders Costa Rica. The union did not immediately comment. Protests marches and occasional roadblocks have stretched from one end of the country to the other as teachers, construction workers and other unions expressed their rejection to changes the government said were necessary to keep the social security system solvent.
South China Morning Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong congee chain closure: what options do unpaid workers have?
Ocean Empire Food Shop, a popular 33-year-old congee restaurant chain, stunned Hongkongers following the abrupt closure of all its outlets, leaving more than 100 employees in limbo over unpaid wages. Advertisement The Post explores how workers can protect themselves in case of their employers' insolvency. 1. What happened to the Ocean Empire congee chain? The restaurant chain, held by Ocean Empire International, told employees about its decision to shut all its seven outlets and go into liquidation in a letter on Wednesday night, blaming worsening operating and financial conditions for the closure. It also told employees to file claims for outstanding wages, payment in lieu of notice, accrued annual leave and severance pay, and to consult the Labour Department regarding their legal rights. On Thursday, the department said it received requests for help from more than 80 staff members seeking outstanding wages and related payments of HK$8 million (US$1 million). Advertisement More than 100 employees have also sought help from a union, with up to 20 imported workers from mainland China facing eviction from their dormitory and anxious about being sent home without collecting unpaid wages. Founded in 1992, Ocean Empire was known for its Cantonese congees, fried dough sticks and rice noodle rolls – dishes typically served in a Chinese-style breakfast.
