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For the first time ever, Hong Kong will implement a minimum wage. At HKD $28 (USD $3.61), the wage falls in between the HKD $24 supported by the business community and the HKD $33 demanded by local labor unions. The HKD $28 per hour minimum wage will go into effect on May 1, 2011.

Secretary for Labor and Welfare Matthew Cheung explained that the rate is intended to protect bottom-line workers to ensure that their pay is proportional to the number of hours worked. Roughly 11.3% of Hong Kong’s employees will be affected by the change, with 61.4% being female workers, 25.3% seniors aged 55+, and 18.8% part-time workers.

Relative to other countries with a similar per capita GDP, the minimum wage falls far below its counterparts. In Great Britain, the minimum wage is £5.80 (USD $9.27), in Canada, it can be from CAD $8-$10.35 (USD $7.98-$10.22) and in New Zealand it is NZD $12.75 (USD $9.97).