In a city where becoming a public advocate can be risky, Luke Ching, 52, has taken a bold stand for workers’ rights from within McDonald's in Hong Kong. During his shifts, he tackled menial tasks—wiping tables, clearing trays, and trash disposal—not just to fulfill a role but to gather insights for his artistic activism aimed at improving labor conditions in the city, infamous for its stark income disparity.
However, his campaign reached a fiery junction last month when he was dismissed for calling on McDonald's to reintroduce paid meal breaks for staff. Despite the setback, Ching refuses to be silenced. He insists that employees deserve to voice their concerns. "People feel they can't speak up about their workplaces but must remember we don’t exist merely for profit,” he declared in a recent interview.
Over the last two decades, Ching's mix of art and activism has gained him a following, but also criticism for being overly dramatic. With his determination intact, he is set to continue fighting for better treatment of laborers in a climate that often stifles such expressions. His story exemplifies the power of creativity fused with courage in the pursuit of justice.
