Unionists said on Sunday the government needs to prioritise employment for local workers when they formulate plans to import labour.

This was one of the six demands the Federation of Trade Unions put forward in their Labour Day Declaration.

The union said officials need to consider the unemployment figures of different industries.

“According to government numbers, the unemployment rate in Hong Kong is 3.2 percent, but this number is worse in some industries. For example, 5.3 percent in the catering industry and five percent in the construction industry,” said the union’s lawmaker Kingsley Wong.

“We hope the government will pay attention to these severe situations and take measures to ensure local workers are given priority in employment,” he added.

Wong said the government should consider halting the import of foreign workers in industries with higher unemployment rates, so that it would be easier for locals to find work in those sectors.

The FTU also called for legislation to protect the staff of food delivery platforms.

They pointed out that riders are currently not covered by work injury protection and other labour laws because they are regarded as self-employed.

Other suggestions include strengthening the Mandatory Provident Fund system, boosting construction safety protocols, as well as increasing training for local talent.