In honour of Pat Kan CHAN: Former chair of the Hong Kong Construction Site Workers’ General Union

Pat Kan CHAN passed away in mid-February 2025. Born in 1951 to a working-class family, he began his career as a garment worker. When factories in Hong Kong shut down and relocated to China, he transitioned to the construction industry.

Pat Kan joined the union in 2006 and quickly became an active member. His strong leadership skills led to his election as Chairperson in a competitive campaign in 2009. During his tenure, he represented the union in the Construction Industry Council, where he championed workers’ rights during the accreditation process under the new qualification framework. He also played a key role in union education and occupational training programmes, transforming the union’s training academy into one of the best in the industry.

Deeply committed to supporting migrant workers, Pat Kan collaborated with the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) to organise migrant labour in Hong Kong, leading to the establishment of the Nepalese Construction Workers Union.

After a decade of dedicated service, he retired as Chairperson in 2020. Pat Kan was a remarkable union leader and a true comrade who never wavered in his commitment to his fellow workers.

His passing is a profound loss to the labour movement and to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.