16.
In Hong Kong there is at present neither legislative nor administrative provision to effect equal remuneration for male and female employees. In the commercial sector where workers are usually monthly-rated, the rates for men are generally higher than those for women. This is attributable in the main to the fact that when men and women work on jobs of a similar nature in the same establishment, the men usually hold a higher supervisory position requiring more initiative and judgement and therefore tend to receive higher pay than their female counterparts.
17.
The Hong Kong Government has introduced a phesed programme for equal pay to enable its female employees who work on jobs of equal value to their male counterparts to receive progressive annual increases in salary » By 1st April 1975 all female employees in the civil service will achieve parity with their male colleagues. This equal pay scheme has influenced some of the larger firms to follow government's example.
Hygiene
18.
The Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) was ratified by the United Kingdom on 21st April 1967, but a declaration of "decision reserved" was registered by the I.L.0. in respect of Hong Kong on 9th April 1968. As yet, there is no legislation specifically applying the provisions of this convention in Hong Kong. However, the following ordinances and regulations made thereunder give effect to certain health and sanitation requirements stipulated under the convention
(a)
(b)
(c)
the Building (Planning) Regulations,
made under the Buildings Ordinance, Chapter 123, contain provisions coxering the minimum requirements of ventilation, lighting and ceiling height of offices;
the Building (Standards of Sanitary Fitments, Plumbing, Drainage Works and Latrines) Regulations, made under the Buildings Ordinance, Chapter 123, contain provisions covering standards of sanitary fitments, plumbing, drainage work and latrine; ́·
the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance, Chapter 132, contains provisions covering general sanitation and cleanliness.
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19.