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Evidence from elsewhere does not support this view and in the Hong Kong context the creation of statutory minimum wages and conditions could only prove to be a major step forward, provided the wages inspectorate in the Department of Labour was strengthened to ensure that they were effectively en- forced.
The major advantage of a Minimum Wages Board would be the involvement of trade union representatives in the determin- ation of a wide range of wage related matters. The issues raised in normal collective bargaining would then be applied to the Colony-wide wages determination. Wage levels would no longer be arrived at by arbitrary means by a handful of influential employers acting alone. Inflation, prices and other factors would play a more relevant part when determin- ing minimum wages and conditions of employment.
Involvement in the work of the Minimum Wages Board would boost trade union morale and assist in the development of negotiating skills which could be utilised in industries where free collective bargaining is possible.
Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration
In industries where the level of trade union organisation is reasonably effective, the trade unions would continue to negot- iate directly with the employers. Since it is very unlikely that direct negotiations would lead to an early settlement, it is necessary to strengthen conciliation, mediation and arbitration facilities. Something like a Labour Court, with an equal number of representatives from both sides of industry, appointed through the representative bodies, and an independent chairman, might be effectively used. The unions in Hong Kong have been demanding such machinery, whose findings would be binding on both parties to a dispute.
Workers' Education and Trade Union Training
In order to have an informed and active trade union member- ship, it is necessary to establish a system of workers' educ- ation which might deal with liberal studies subjects, but include trade unionism, and subjects that are concerned with the work situation such as aspects of health and safety. In addition, an educational programme to train trade union leaders, especially at the lower and middle ranges, is needed. The subjects covered could include collective bargaining tech- niques, union administration, trade union history, labour laws, trade union accounts, international trade unionism, etc. The establishment of an education and training system would go a long way to help the movement develop a more effective leader- ship.
Continued/...