[Simatai]

I think we need to know more what kind of company, industry and position - you say it's a HK company owned by local HKnese? or other overseas Chinese?
All these things can make quite a difference.

Expat packages are definitely not what it used to be. But I think there may be more room to negotiate than you think, especially if you are caucasian for some companies. But if it's a HK local company, then I don't think you'll get your 25 days.

I work for UK company with a branch office here and I get 25 days + 8 statutory holidays + no OT w/salary. But I never even knew to negotiate flex-time, as I didn't have that at the US companies I had worked for.

i think it's fair to come to the table with them and propose what you are used to getting in your country, and then see if they will meet you halfway. or a quarter of the way? but again, depends on your position and importance to the company.

[JJexpat]

Kostas - air conditioning allowance?! I mean half the holidays, different leave packages, etc.

Nonetheless, love HK.

[kostas]

Originally Posted by JJexpat

Kostas - air conditioning allowance?! I mean half the holidays, different leave packages, etc.

Sorry, my mistake that I didn't make it clear I was reffering generally to your remuneration. You are not entitled to those crazy allowances that are unheard of to the private sector?

[JJexpat]

Well, I have heard of air conditioning allowance...a past thing? Had lunch with an expat in the private sector whose housing allowance is about 20k more than mine in the public sector (and I have a relatively significant post), so I think there are lots of variables. No, I don't get "passages" and end of contract specials, etc. the way some do. Yet, I am not complaining (except in the sense that I think different packages for eople doing the same thing is fundamentally unfair). Happy enough with my lot...even with the three pay cuts experienced so far.

[shri]

>> fundamentally unfair

Opportunity cost... right?