CONFIDENTIAL
3
8.
It is believed that, in spite of discouragement
from Mr Stewart, a delegation of 4 members of the SATA
will go to London on 14th November to see British trades
unionists and Members of Parliament active in trades
union matters and seek their support. The delegation
has been offered the use of the facilities of the Hong
Kong Government London Office in the hope of reducing
their dependence on other sources of help. They have not
yet accepted the offer.
9.
More than half the 347 Shorthand Audio Typists
in the grade at the time of the re-structuring on 8th
December 1976 have now opted for conversion to 'Stenographer'
and have accepted Government's terms. There are, therefore,
reasonable grounds for hoping that, after the excursion
to London, the dispute may gradually die. *
PAY & STRUCTURE DIVISION
10.
On 18th August, Finance Committee approved a new
simplified structure with improved pay scales and career
prospects for the professional support grades in the Public
Works Department. The approval of this new structure,
with its three main grades of Inspector/Clerk of Works,
Technical Officer and Survey Officer, followed prolonged
discussions between management and the major staff associations
concerned, at which the associations expressed their
disagreement with the new pay scales.
/11....
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