Pay pledge: Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung presents certificates to the Construction Association and members for joining the Wage Protection Movement.

Last year saw a 17% year-on-year fall in the number of labour disputes and claims relating to the construction sector, to 2,155 cases, the lowest since 2001, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung says.

Speaking at the Construction Association's luncheon today, Mr Cheung said more than 800 private enterprises and organisations have joined the Wage Protection Movement, including the association and its 44 member organisations.

He noted their participation is a pledge to protect workers' wage levels and to build a harmonious society, adding more employers may join the campaign in the coming months.

To tie in with the campaign, the Labour Department's free employment service for cleaning and security guard vacancies is offered only to those whose wages are not lower than the relevant average market rates.

Since the launch of the campaign, the wages of about 1,100 cleaning and security guard jobs have been adjusted upwards to a level similar to the relevant average market rates. Moreover, employers of about 14% of the jobs publicised through the department have voluntarily raised the wage level.

Mr Cheung said the figures have demonstrated the Wage Protection Movement can immediately benefit some workers. To encourage the private sector's participation, the department's employment programmes will give priority to employers supporting the campaign, he added.