{
  "id": 19607643,
  "title": "Union says 12-hour family care leave is 'good start'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/union-says-12-hour-family-care-leave-is-good-start",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T05:17:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1877510-20261112.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fung Chuen-chung, chairman of the Civil Servants General Union, welcomed the government's plan to grant up to 12 hours of family care leave annually to employees, calling it a significant improvement in work-life balance and an attractive factor for potential hires. When asked if the 12-hour limit was sufficient, Fung admitted that it was difficult to determine at this point, but suggested that the cap could be reevaluated after the scheme's implementation. He emphasized that each individual's circumstances during different life stages, such as marriage and parenthood, or caring for elderly or ill relatives, necessitate varied support. Fung expressed optimism that the business sector would also adopt similar leave policies, ensuring that more employees could benefit from this provision. Concerns over potential misuse of the leave were dismissed by Fung, as supervisors would have the authority to request verification if there were any suspicions. The leave could be taken in increments ranging from one to four hours and is set to commence in January.",
  "summary": "Civil Servants General Union chairman Fung Chuen-chung welcomed on Thursday a plan to give government employees up to 12 hours of family care leave a year, calling it a very desirable step forward in letting staff look after their families while also helping attract talent and raise morale. Asked on an RTHK programme whether 12 hours was enough, he said that was “hard to say” but that the cap…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}