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CI
SECRET
Reference...
B(b)(ii). We have expressed reservations by telegram and verbally (during Mr Stewart's visit) and will be submitting on the question.
(8) LABOUR
A Governor's Speech:
B
(pp 16-17)
a
Apprentice Ordinance passed
complete;
b review of Workmen's Compensation Ordinance in hand;
Overlap:
a
increase in statutory holidays from 6 to 10 - complete though not yet enforced;
b new safety regulations introduced
not yet enforced;
MAR
complete though
C
one week's holiday with pay from 1978 ExCo;
www
approved by
d one rest day a week from 1977 (i.e. 52 instead of
48 a year);
compensation scheme for workers suffering from asbestosis and silicosis in hand;
in hand;
e
f
g
consideration of further safety legislation consideration of legislation to provide greater protection of wages in the case of bankruptcy or liquidation - in hand;
C
D
h
i
j
consideration of statutory minimum wages for low
paid occupations;
limitations on hours of work for adult males; statutory provision for overtime rates;
k severance pay up from 1/3 to and contractors liable.
Planning Paper:
a
b
C
d
e
prohibition of employment of under 148 by 1979 and under 15s by 1980;
reduction of maximum hours overtime for young persons in stages from 200 to 0 by 1980;
examination of trade union position in light of Turner Report;
removal of restrictions on office-holders in trade unions;
ILO Conventions: raising from 21-27 the number of fully applied conventions and from 12-14 those applied with modifications.
Comment:
The omissions (Section C) are important but, with the exception of (c) which in the nature of things cannot be done at present, the Hong Kong Government are under- stood to have proposals in hand.
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SECRET