Article No.
Provisions
2
(cont'd)
3
- 3-
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Comments
Paid educational leave for trade union education only works when trade union activities have been accepted in Hong Kong as a normal way of life. But this acceptance is now not widespread in Hong Kong, It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to introduce paid educational leave for trade union education without the back up of a strong and healthy trade union movement.
The matter is further complicated by the fact that most trade unions in Hong Kong are politically divided. Any trade union education scheme may offer a convenient battle-ground for the left-wing and right-wing unions to strive for political dominance. Training courses may be made use of to propagate different ideo- logies and as such it is doubtful whether such training would be of any real "educational" value to workers.
To cɔnclude, Hong Kong should first aim at a policy of granting paid educational leave to workers for the purpose of skill training.
That policy shall be designed to contri- bute, on differing terms as necessary
(a) to the acquisition, improvement and adaptation of occupational and fun- ctional skills, and the promotion of employment and job security in condi- tions of scientific and technological develɔpment and economic and structural change;
(b) to the competent and active participa-
tion of workers and their representa- tion in the life of the undertaking and of the community;
(c) to the human, social and cultural
advancement of workers; and
Participation of workers and their representatives in the life of the undertaking and of the community depends on whe ther workers are well organized. As trade unions in Hong Kong are fragmented, it is unlikely that they can play a very active part.