Hong Kong hotel workers go on unpaid leave as tourists shun city

An anti-government protester throws back a tear gas canister at the police during a demonstration near Central Government Complex in Hong Kong, China, September 15, 2019. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

HONG KONG: As the protests in Hong Kong drive away visitors, the city’s hotel workers are in the firing line.

About 77% of people working in hotels have been asked to take unpaid leave of up to three days while 46% expect their monthly income to be reduced by as much as HK$3,000 ($383), according to a survey by the Hotels, Food and Beverage Employees Association. About 43% believe hotels will cut jobs if the situation worsens.