With the disbandment of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), the promise of independent trade unionism and three decades of labour rights struggles in Hong Kong have come to nothing. Amid pressure from the pro-Beijing press, which accused it of colluding with foreign forces, and after the hammer blow dealt by the dissolution of the powerful Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) in August – its largest member in terms of numbers – the HKCTU disbanded on 3 October at an extraordinary general meeting, more than 30 years on from its foundation. An absolute majority of 85% of voters approved the dissolution of the confederation – comprising 93 affiliated unions and some 145,000 members – after a decision was made by its executive committee behind closed doors on 17 September.
China: the end of independent trade unionism in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) has disbanded, a move that comes shortly after the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (HKPTU), which was the largest trade union in Hong Kong, suffered the same fate. The HKCTU’s disbandment was decided on 17 September and was made official on 3 October, at a final extraordinary general meeting. It follows pressure from Beijing on civil society and trade unions and is further evidence of the process of dismantling that has been underway since the National Security Law of 2020 came into force.
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