CONFIDENTIAL
Conditions of employment in Hong Kong
(32)
Problem
Five officials of the Textile Trade Unions Messrs. Gibson, Pendergast, Greenhalgh, Macgougan and Milhench, will call on the Minister of State on Tuesday, 17 March, to discuss conditions of employment in Hong Kong in particular conditions relating to the employment of women
on work at night.
G
Recommendation
2. It is suggested that Mr. Gibson be invited to open the discussion by giving his views on the situation generally. The other union representatives could then be asked to comment, raising any points not previously touched upon.
3. In reply, the Minister might draw attention to the considerable progress made in recent years in improving conditions fo work and standards of living of the industrial workers (details in paragraphs 9, 10 and 22). In answer to specific questions, he could use the following Speaking Notes, drawing if necessary on the background material for further details.
Speaking Notes
The introduction of night work for women in Hong Kong is a retrograde step and ought not to be permitted.
4.
I think that first of all you will accept that the general climate of world opinion about the employment of women at night is changing.
A third only of the Member States of the ILO have ratified the relevant International Labour Conventions. One must also look at Hong Kong's neighbours. Mr. Gibson has seen for himself that night work is permitted in Taiwan and we know of course that the Government of
Singapore
V
a growing competitor to Hong Kong has amended its laws to permit a wider employment of women at night in industry.
5. The general movement towards equality of treatment for women obviously brings into question this kind of protective legislation. The Working Party set up by my colleague, Mrs. Barbara Castle, which
reported last year
showed that you will be familiar with the report
We
I think
there is no unanimity of view in this country on this subject. permit exemptions for particular factories in special cases. there is something odd about legislation which applies only to women in
CONFIDENTIAL
/ factories