Introduction

The Provisional Minimum Wage Commission (PMWC), established on 27 February 2009, is mainly tasked to advise the Chief Executive on the initial statutory minimum wage rate. The PMWC comprises the Chairperson and 12 members drawn from the labour sector, business community, academia and relevant government departments. The Chairperson and the non-official Members are appointed on a personal basis. The appointments will last until the establishment of the statutory Minimum Wage Commission.

Terms of reference

On the basis of an evidence-based approach and with a view to ensuring a sensible balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, while sustaining Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness:

1. To advise the Chief Executive on the appropriate mechanism for determining the statutory minimum wage;
   
2. To advise the Chief Executive on the initial statutory minimum wage rate based on the mechanism in (a) above;
   
3. To study the possible impact of the implementation of the statutory minimum wage on the local economy, including its effect on pay, employment and economic competitiveness, particularly of the low pay sectors and small and medium-sized enterprises; and
   
4. To consult stakeholders in carrying out its work in (a) - (c) above.