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"confrontation" the Communist unions had collective agreements with some at least of the Public Utilities. I am having some research done on this but see no harm in putting the question to Hong Kong asking in addition what advice, if any, was tended by the Department of Labour to the M.P.B.W. on this issue. The issue is, I think, being "befogged" by this use of the term "formal recognition".
4. There must be few trade unions in U.K. who can say that they have been "formally recognised". The question is solely one of whether the employer is prepared to talk to a representative trade union about wages and conditions of employment. I would prefer asking Hong Kong. "Does the second paragraph of tel. no. 428 mean that no employer in Hong Kong is prepared to discuss wages and conditions of employment with a trade union, and conclude an agreement. What is the Government's position in relation to its own staff, particularly industrials?"
(G. Foggon) Overseas Labour Adviser
10 July, 1970.
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