As
established once initial difficulties have been overcome. regards the two courses organised by the Department of Employment on behalf of the ODM, the overall picture is one of continuing support for the Labour Administration Course and reviving interest in that for trade union officials.
11. Mr Foggon referred to the high reputation enjoyed by the Labour Administration courses in particular. This was demonstrated by the increasing number of non-Commonwealth countries seeking places on the course. Significantly these now included oil- producing countries, such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Students had come from as far afield as the Philippines. This was
a tribute to the excellent work of the Department of Employment and those responsible for organising the courses.
Item 3: Hong Kong: Labour and Social Problems
12.
(Paper OLC (1974) 3).
Mr Foggon, in introducing this item, referred to the marked acceleration during 1974, in the pace of implementing the programme of labour legislation. Two key measures had been enacted this year.
The first dealt with "Anti-union discrimination" and provided much needed protection for those taking part in trade union activities. It was likely to make possible the full application to Hong Kong of International Labour Convention No 98, (The Right to Organise and Bargain Collectively). The second law required the employer to pay a severance allowance to employees who became redundant or are discharged through no fault of their own and thus provide a measure of financial assistance at a time when it is usually badly needed. Thirdly, consultations point to the probability that the Legislative Council will agree to the reduction of the maximum permissible hours of overtime for women and young persons from 300 hours per annum to 250 hours from early 1975, and again from 250 hours to 200 hours early in 1976. Fourthly, consultations were taking place or a draft Bill for the repeal of the Illegal Strikes and Lockouts Ordinance and its replacement by a straightforward Industrial Relations Ordinance. This would give statutory backing to the excellent conciliation service of the Labour Department and provide for voluntary arbitration. The general framework of labour legislation is thus virtually complete in Hong Kong, covering as it does holidays with pay, sick pay, maternity allowances, severance pay, restrictions on overtime for women and young persons and extending in the near future to statutory conciliation and arbitration procedures.
These constituted a comprehensive package but one which would be subjected to constant review and gradual improvement. The legisla- tion was backed up by a strong Labour Department - well staffed and well trained. The inspectorate had quadrupled in size in the last ten years and had shown by its recourse to prosecution that it possesses the necessary capacity and resolve to secure greater compliance with the labour laws. Prosecution is now automatic for breaches of the law concerning the employment of children in industry.
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