Security chief suggests overtime pay improvement ‘not ready’

As lawmakers propose improving overtime remuneration for security forces, Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak said that while adjustments are being considered, they are not yet prepared for implementation.

Over the weekend, Wong was present at the parliament for his policy question session.

Several lawmakers said security forces workers are entitled to 100 salary points of additional remuneration for working over 44 hours per week. However, their overtime payment will remain the same regardless of how much overtime they have completed. The lawmakers advocated for adjustments to this policy, some suggesting raising the payment to 120 salary points.

In response, Wong said the current overtime payment scheme is acceptable. Furthermore, he noted the related law had only recently been reviewed, but said that when circumstances were appropriate and consensus was reached, proposals for further review would be considered.

Wong also said the average working time for security forces stood at 50 hours per week, although certain departments might exceed this due to specific occasions or limited staffing. Notwithstanding, he said sufficient rest for workers was ensured.

Addressing lawmakers’ concerns on the size of the security forces, Wong said the Public Security Police Force has a team of only 5,100 officers, although the allotted size is 6,300. The actual number is 4,800 after accounting for some officers being designated to other workplaces. To manage this situation, the police have increasingly relied on technological advancements, Wong added.

When asked about retirement criteria for the security forces, Wong said officers who requested retirement on the grounds of “carpe diem” would be refused, given the rigorous training required for police officers.

Retirement by the age of 55 is usually permitted under special circumstances, such as the health condition of the officers or their family members.