Dozens of Hong Kong construction firms have failed to pay subcontractors and wages to around 1,500 workers, with debts amounting to more than HK$290 million (US$37.3 million), unionists have said.

The Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union said on Wednesday that it had been receiving reports of unpaid wages starting in March, with workers holding more than 20 strikes at various sites since July as the amounts they were owed accumulated.

Ryan Ng Wai-leung, the union’s rights and complaints officer, said he had seen too many cases of workers being put under great pressure while going through lengthy legal proceedings to make claims against their employers.

He said that of the HK$290 million in debts owed by main contractors, HK$70 million was related to unpaid wages and benefits.

Lawmaker Dennis Leung Tsz-wing of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions noted that a bill to improve payment practices in the industry had been introduced to the Legislative Council and some discussion had started.

“We have to think of a way to ensure subcontractors receive payments upon completion from main contractors [before the legislation is enacted],” he said.