CONFIDENTIAL
difficulty has arisen in regard to the recently formed
Association of Scientific Technical and Managerial Staffs in
Hong Kong which has been refused recognition by the Hong Kong
Aircraft Engineering Company on the grounds that this is
unnecessary as most of its members have individual contracts
of employment. The company .might be prepared to discuss
general conditions of employment, e.g. facilities for staff,
working conditions, shift working, canteens, medical benefits
and other fringe matters, NOT wages, individual contracts or
the difference between local and expatriate terms of employment.
Labour Legislation in the pipeline.
8.
An Industrial Relations Bill and legislation to establish
labour courts are under consideration in Hong Kong. Mr. Gibson
has made some detailed comments about matters that might be
included in this legislation; these will, of course, be carefully
considered.
9. It has been accepted in principle by the Governor, the
Labour Advisory Board and some employers' associations that
special labour courts should be established by statute to provide
something like instant justice in claims between employees and
employers arising out of terms and conditions of employment,
particularly statutory requirements. It is intended that the
claim should first be reported to the Labour Department's Labour
Relations Officers who would endeavour to promote a settlement
by conciliation. If this failed, the case could be referred to
the Court although cases could still be entertained without
conciliation procedures having been used.
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CONFIDENTAL