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An obvious problem in the Hong Kong context is how the educ- ational programme would be organised and who would run it.
For a general workers' education programme it should be pos- sible to find someone, probably currently engaged in the adult education field. However, the more specialised courses on trade unionism would require someone with in- depth trade union knowledge, understanding and experience. It might even be necessary to draw on the experience or knowledge of an outside trade unionist in getting a workers' education programme off the ground.
Meanwhile, both the trade unions and the government might invite an expert from the International Labour Organisation to work with the trade- unions, the university department con- cerned with adult education and other interested agencies.
The Hong Kong government would have to be heavily involved in the education programme, perhaps through the Departments of Labour and Education. But, at the same time, it would be absolutely important that the courses on trade unionism, wage determination, etc., be directed by trade unionists themselves.
In its initial stage a major emphasis of the education pro- gramme 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 assistance from international organisations and friendly trade unions, it is also reasonable to expect that the Hong Kong govern- ment 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 part- icipate in the programme, and afterwards for reasonable 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 respons- ible 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.
Continued/...