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Government to correct injustices in the old system as it affected
the other workers concerned. It does not necessarily indicate any
deterioration in the conditions of service of the shorthand and
audio typists. The Hong Kong Government appear to have acted
quite properly throughout the dispute, and in particular have
gone to great lengths to hear the point of view of the staff
concerned.
3. Mr Stewart will be visiting Hong Kong from 12 to 20 October
and will take the opportunity to discuss this problem with the
Hong Kong Civil Service Department, and with Mrs Cheung as well
if she wishes to see him and there seems to be any advantage in
his doing so. Amongst other points, Mr Stewart will look into the
suggestion made by Mr Hooley that an independant arbitrateur
might be appointed. In the absence of any laid-down procedures,
agreed with the staff side, for the handling of any disputes within
the Hong Kong Civil Service, this is a procedure that has been
resorted to before. It should not be difficult to find a suitable
arbitrateur in the Hong Kong. nat
4.
I attach draft replies to Mr Hooley and Mr Johnson.
30 September 1977
1.E. "Quantrill
W Quantrill
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Hong Kong & General Department K 247
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