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
B
с
D-
Governor's Speech:
(pp. 16-17)
a Apprentice Ordinance passed
C
complete;
b review of Workmen's Compensation Ordinance - in hand;
Overlap:
a
b
с
d
e
f
4460
h
i
j
increase in statutory holidays from 6 to 10 though not yet enforced;
new safety regulations introduced
not yet enforced;
complete
complete though
one week's holiday with pay from 1978 approved by
ExCo;
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;
consideration of further safety legislation - in hand; consideration of legislation to provide greater
protection of wages in the case of bankruptcy or liquidation - in hand;
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
prohibition of employment of under 14s by 1979 and under 15s by 1980;
reduction of maximum hours overtime for young persons in stages from 200 to "O by 1980;
examination of trado union position in light of Turner Report;
d 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.
5
SECRET