May, 1958
July, 1958
August, 1958
CONFIDENTIAL
Conditions of Employment in Hong Kong
Summary of correspondence relating to the reduction of hours of work of women and young persons
55
In an adjournment debate in the House of Commons Mr. Ernest Thornton, M.P., focussed attention on the long hours of work of women employed in the textile industry in Hong Kong,
In view of continued Parliamentary pressure, Hong Kong Government carried out a detailed survey of the hours of work performed by women in the textile industry and promised to take the opportunity provided by a revision of employment legislation which was then in progress to see to what extent hours and conditions of work could be further controlled by legislation.
Miss Ogilvie, Assistant Labour Adviser to the Secretary of State, visited Hong Kong to discuss labour conditions generally but in view of the interest in the matter which was being shown by the British Parliament, paid special attention to wages and hours of work of industrial workers, particularly women.
In telegram No. 576, Governor after discussions with Miao Ogilvie concluded that legislative restriction on hours of work should be confined for the time being to the hours of work by women and young persons employed in industrial undertakings, that these should be
enacted by means of regulations under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, 1955, and not as part of the more general provisions of the Employment Bill on the grounds that new regulations could be introduced without the delay which would inevitably attend the introduction of a comprehensive Employment Bill. These would limit hours of work of women and young persons over 16 to 10 hours per day or 60 in any week; no more than 5 hours to be worked continuousl and meal breaks to be of at least half-an-hour's duration; maximum over- time of 6 hours per week. Six months from enactment of regulations to be allowed for switch to new regulations.
Miss Ogilvie also pressed for weekly day of rest. Decision reserved pending views of employers' associations and Labour Advisory Board.
In telegram 630 of 15th August Colonial Office approved proposals on two understandings:
1.
(1) that these measures were clearly understood to be and.
publicly presented as a first stage in determined effort to raise minimum standarde of industrial employment to which the Hong Kong Government would now pledge itselfi and
(11) that the following additional measures were included in the
new regulations:-
(a) provision for paid sick leave and rublic
holidays;
(b) maternity benefito:
(c) weekly day of rest.
Hong Kong Government urged to announce introduction of new regulations as early as possible in order to disarm further overseas criticism.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary endorsed Colonial Office view in personal telegram to the Governor and emphasized difficulty of defending, a working week of 60 or more hours for women and young people otherwise than as a first step towards better working conditions.
In reply Governor gave assurance that regulations restricting hours
leave, public holidays and maternity benefit could not be made by way of
including weekly would proceed as a matter of urgency but that provision for paid sick
day & rest.
CONFIDENTIAL
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