Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung has applauded the settlement of the bar-benders' labour dispute as a win-win situation for all concerned, adding the isolated incident will not trigger industrial action in other sectors.

He told reporters today labour relations in Hong Kong are generally good and strikes are uncommon. The bar-benders' strike was complex and protracted, lasting for 36 days, as it involved a large number of casual workers and 38 contractors.

"In labour relations, particularly in settlement, we are talking about arriving at a consensus, in the spirit of compromise, in the spirit of partnership and mutual understanding. Everybody comes out as a winner in this particular case," Mr Cheung said.

He urged employers and workers to enhance exchange and ask the Labour Department for assistance if problems arise. Disputes should be solved through mutual understanding and rational dialogue, he added.