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In its initial stage a major emphasis of the education programme would need to be on the training of selected trade unionists who would, in turn, be responsible for passing on the knowledge gained within their own union, as well as on the training of local people to take over the running of the programme, after the departure of the outside expert.
Financing such a programme would obviously be expensive. While it is right for Hong Kong workers to expect assist- ance from international organisations and friendly trade unions, it is also reasonable to expect that the Hong Kong government would contribute substantial financial resources to the programme.
In addition, statutory provision would need to be made to compel employers to release workers to enable them to participate in the programme, and afterwards for reason- able time off work to carry out their trade union functions.
International Assistance
There is clearly a role for the international trade union movement to perform in assisting Hong Kong's trade unions. The problems of the Hong Kong worker are such as to be of
interest to the whole free world. United Kingdom trade unions have, of course, a direct responsibility, since the United Kingdom is the authority that is ultimately responsible for the affairs of the Colony. However, Hong Kong's position in the field of international trade, her
economic system, and the social conditions which prevail there, make it necessary for the international trade union
movement to take a strong stand.
Already, there are many developing countries, which are beginning to see Hong Kong as a model for economic develop- ment.
This tendancy must be arrested if workers in dif- ferent countries at different stages of development are not going to be set against each other.
Continued/...