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English Works

Letter to the Editor

6A Chan Wai Cheuk

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my view on whether Hong Kong benefits from having a minimum
wage. There are many countries, like Japan, Britain, and Australia, which have set a minimum
wage. Minimum wage is a fundamental part of social welfare. There is no denying that having
a minimum wage is beneficial to Hong Kong.

First and foremost, setting a minimum wage can undoubtedly guarantee the basic life of
the underprivileged. There are several jobs which have low income, such as security guards
and janitors. Low income deprives the underprivileged of enjoying a stable life. As the rate of
inflation increases every year, but the income of people rarely increases, the underprivileged
may not afford the inflation of prices. Therefore, implementing a minimum wage can ensure
the underprivileged to receive a reasonable salary for their basic life. Thus, they will not live
under the poverty line.

Another reason to reach my view is that the implementation of minimum wage can narrow
the gap between the rich and the poor. Without a minimum wage, the salary of employees can
be set as low as employers want to. In the short term, a minimum wage can fulfill the basic
needs of employees. Consequently, this reduces poverty in the long term, thus narrowing the
gap between the rich and the poor.
One more aspect that deserves notice is that a minimum wage can be implemented to
facilitate social harmony. If the salary is too low, people cannot maintain a stable life. Being
exploited a stable life, this may cause social unrest and arouse the dissatisfaction among the
public. As a result, setting a minimum wage is beneficial to Hong Kong. This stabilizes the
society.

There is no doubt that Hong Kong benefits from a minimum wage. Not only can it
guarantee a basic living standard of the underprivileged, but also enhance the social
development.

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