Luke Ching, a 52-year-old part-time worker at a McDonald’s in Hong Kong, recently completed an eight-hour shift involving various tasks such as wiping tables and clearing trays. His primary motivation for this job was not financial but rather to conduct research for his artistic advocacy aimed at improving conditions for low-wage workers in a city known for its significant income disparity.
Ching's project faced a setback last month when he was terminated after publicly urging McDonald’s Hong Kong to reinstate paid meal breaks for employees. Despite this, he remains committed to his cause, emphasizing the right of workers to voice their concerns. “Employees don’t exist just to drive profit,” he stated in an interview.
Over the past two decades, Ching has blended art and activism, gaining both supporters and critics. His campaigns have addressed various workplace issues, including advocating for better conditions for museum guards and subway cleaners. The minimum wage in Hong Kong, approximately $5 an hour, is insufficient for basic living expenses, and the lack of collective bargaining laws limits workers' rights.
Historically, labor unions in Hong Kong have been politically active, participating in protests against perceived government overreach. However, following a year of intense anti-government protests and the subsequent imposition of a national security law in 2020, many unions have disbanded or faced legal repercussions for their activism.
Experts suggest that while labor activism may not be viewed as a direct threat to national security, the ambiguous legal environment has made many cautious about their expressions. Recently, the Hong Kong government proposed amendments that would allow it to reject new unions on national security grounds.
Ching maintains that his focus has always been on livelihood issues and does not perceive his activism as risky. He recounted tense moments during the COVID-19 pandemic when he faced police scrutiny while advocating for workers' rights.
With a master’s degree in fine art, Ching has exhibited his work internationally and has taught art at local universities. He recently raised funds to dedicate more time to his art and activism, working various low-wage jobs to gain firsthand experience of the challenges faced by workers.
During his time at McDonald’s, he documented his experiences on social media, highlighting the daily struggles of employees. He expressed admiration for the communal aspect of McDonald’s, where diverse patrons gather, and he drew parallels between his experiences and those of the company’s CEO, who also worked in low-level positions.
Ching's employment ended shortly after he published an open letter to the CEO, advocating for paid meal breaks. The company claimed he leaked internal information, which Ching denied, asserting he only shared his observations.
Some observers note that as Ching's ambitions have expanded, his focus has sometimes appeared unclear. However, others argue that his approach complements traditional labor activism by fostering community among workers. Recently, Ching and fellow organizers announced the formation of the Alliance for My McDonald’s, aiming to encourage the company to consider employee and public feedback.
Ching expressed his intention to continue advocating for meaningful changes in the workplace, stating, “I want the revolution to be in our daily work.”