On a recent shift at a McDonald's in Hong Kong, Luke Ching, aged 52, engaged in tasks such as wiping tables and handling trash while pursuing a deeper objective: advocating for improved working conditions for low-wage laborers in a city grappling with an extensive income disparity.
Ching's temporary employment was cut short last month when he was ousted for publicly urging McDonald's Hong Kong to restore paid meal breaks for its workers. Despite his dismissal, he remains resolute about his mission, particularly in light of the diminished space for political activism in the city. “Many people have accepted that they’re not allowed to speak critically about their workplace. But employees don’t exist just to drive profit,” he expressed during an interview. “We have the right to express ourselves in public.”
Over the years, Ching's efforts have melded the realms of art and activism, earning him both a loyal following and critics who accuse him of seeking attention through gimmicks. His work shines a light on the pressing issues faced by menial workers, aiming to foster a dialogue that many in Hong Kong are hesitant to engage in.
