Confidential
38
Reference......
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Mm Laird
Visit of Father McGovern
You will wish to see the report on the meeting with Father McGovern about the alleged anti-union attitude of HMG Departments in Hong Kong at (36).
2. The present situation regarding recognition of trade unions by employers in Hong Kong is explained in Hong Kong telegram No.425 at (13). In his minute of 10 July at (20), Mr. Foggon states that recognition of trade unions in UK is uncommon.
3.
With his minute of 11 November at (37), Mr. Foggon attaches a copy of a letter of 4 September from MPBW in Hong Kong in which they say that recognition of trade unions by employers "would mean a move ahead of Hong Kong Government practice".
4. While formal recognition by employers of trade unions may be repugnant to employers (including the Government) in Hong Kong, cases do occur where the union succeeds in negotiating on behalf of its members.
5.
When the Industrial Relations Bill becomes law possibly some time in 1971 - it should be possible for unions to compel employers to negotiate but, until this happens, the impression gained by labour in Hong Kong is that the Government and employers are against trade unions.
6. Father McGovern refers to political unrest and hopes that some intervention with the Hong Kong Govern- ment can be made by us. The attitude of the Hong Kong Government is to stand aside and not to become engaged in labour disputes if possible. A more positive and less laissez faire approach to this problem seems essential and I recommend that it should be discussed with the Governor when he is in London in two weeks' time.
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G. F. Kinnear
12 November, 1970
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