First Hong Kong arbitrator hired in Guangzhou attends trial

A labor dispute between a Hong Kong employer and an employee from the same place came to trial on Oct 16 in Guangzhou’s Nansha district. James Kong-Tin Wong, one of the first seven arbitrators appointed in the two special administrative zones and hired in the mainland, appeared in court as a member of the collegiate bench.

This is the first case being heard after the first group of Hong Kong and Macao arbitrators were engaged on Sept 18 this year in Nansha, marking a satisfactory end of one year’s pilot work and an opening of a new chapter.

James Kong-Tin Wong (1st, L) sits as a member of the collegiate bench at the first tribunal of the Guangzhou Nansha Labor Dispute Arbitration Committee. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

James has at least two calling cards. He also acts as vice chairman of the Greater China Legal Affairs Committee for the Law Society of Hong Kong.

“I’m very glad to join the legal construction team in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. As an arbitrator, I wish to promote Hong Kong’s integration into the development of the mainland. New problems gradually surface caused by legal and cultural differences, but the law will serve the people and gain more gratification for them,” said Huang.

The verdict will be announced in due course with an arbitral decision released on the website in accordance with the law.

Nansha district was approved as the first pilot zone to employ Hong Kong and Macao labor dispute arbitrators in January this year. After a series of examinations and training programs, seven were qualified to take up the posts.

They will participate in trying cases and wield their power as a member or the chief of the collegiate bench or as a sole arbitrator as a next step, according to a leader from the local arbitration commission.