Civil Service Enlouisa in Hong Kong: Some
Recent Developments
by Michael Quinlan
Abstract : This article deals with the parameters of conflict between an
energing independent union movement and a paternalistic colonial administration.
The civil service is the most rapidly expanding area of union organisation
in Hong Kong. Further, civil service staff associations most closely
approximate, in their attitudes, activities and goals, the western notion
of unionism. In the private sector, owing to a combination of inexperience,
employer opposition, government ambiguity and political interests, unions
operate in the-work-context in a far more covert way.
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Civil service unions are, by and large, without formal political
affiliation or leanings. They publicly pursue work-related goals, especially
with regard to salary, fringe benefits and promotion, and are displaying an
increased willingness to challenge the existing structure of staff relations.
In any respects, the questions raised are remarkably similar to those
concerning industrial relations in the civil service of countries with a
long history of industrial development.
This paper seeks to identify forces underlying recent events. The
aim is to shed light on the question of an emerging union movement in a
colony whose economy is primarily industrial, rather than rural, and for which
there are a series of unique political considerations moulding the pattern of
industrial conflict. The social forces unleashed by Hong Kong's rapid
industrialisation offer a provocative study area for the industrial relations
researcher.