Government has contingency plans for minimum wage law in property management sector

The Government has prepared contingency plans relating to implementation of the Law on Minimum Wage for Cleaning and Security Workers of the Property Management Industry, which came into force on 1 January. The Government has been giving great attention to the management of private buildings following the implementation of a minimum wage for cleaning and security workers, which might lead to a salary increase for some of these workers. Property management companies have been urged to table as soon as possible any update in their 2016 charges in order that the owners of flats in such managed private buildings can discuss them. If such tabled proposals are not accepted by flat owners, they are advised either: to seek to negotiate relevant revisions in fees; or hire a new management company; or form a commission of apartment owners to manage the building. A Housing Bureau-administered subsidy scheme for management of private residential property would provide support for things such as the holding of general meetings by apartment owners. In addition, the Housing Bureau would assist flat owners to form such a management commission if they decided to manage independently such private buildings. The Bureau would also, if required, provide support for negotiations between those newly formed commissions and the former management companies, so as to ensure the buildings’ common areas remain under proper management. In cases where no management entity exists, flat owners are reminded they are collectively responsible for waste management and the provision of water and electricity in common areas of the building. The Environmental Protection Bureau and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau would allocate more recycling facilities and waste removal services in the vicinity of such buildings to meet temporarily their management needs. The police authorities are also paying close attention to the risk of crime or of accidents in any private buildings lacking security staff. The Law on Minimum Wage for Cleaning and Security Workers of the Property Management Industry was enacted by the Legislative Assembly on 3 July, 2015. It sets the hourly minimum wage for cleaners and security workers at 30 patacas; and their daily and monthly salary at 240 patacas and 6,240 patacas respectively. The Law aims to provide better protection for low-income workers, thus enhancing their quality of life.