The proliferation, of civil service unions has involved a splintering
process whereby membership growth is concentrated in newly-formed associations
with narrow coverage. Some unions resulted from dissident groups of civil
servants breaking away from pre-existing unions to form their own organisation.
For instance, the Government School Non-Graduate Teachers (GSNGTU) and Fire
Services Control Staff (HKFSCSU) broke away from the KCCSA. Others,
like the Government Clerical Officers' Association, formed a separate union
still affiliated to the HKCCSA. At a more informal level, groups of
disgruntled members have simply formed a separate union (such as the recently.
registered Association of Government Nursing Staff) without any discernable
dispute with the more general body.
the HKCCSA, which presently consists of 44 separate units (of two
distinct types) and six affiliated unions covering different areas of civil
service employment, and which employs a complex collegiate electoral system,
has been the prime victim of this fragmentation process. While the liXCCSA's
membership has grown throughout, its relative position as the only truly
general union_has_declined significantly.
In the case of the SNEOA, fragmentation has been quite amicable..
For instance, many of those joining new associations such as the Government
Doctors Association (GDA) and Local Town Planners Association (HKITPA) have
retained their SNEOA membership.
The general narrowing of membership interest
in recently formed associations has led to high levels of dual union
Evidence indicates employees may belong to as many as three
membership.
unions simultaneously.
5-
A survey of civil service unions suggested that
dual membership may anount to as much as 20% of total declared membership.
6
..
5. For instance, married women doctors have their own association. All belong
to the GDA and most belong to the SNCOA. Since annual membership subscriptions are quite low, i.e. about $25 HK on average, this doesn't impose an undue financial burden.
6.
This survey involved interviews with senior officials from 20 civil service unions conducted in Jan/Feb 1977. Interviews included both structured questions? and informal discussion. The sample was selected on a fairly random basis although some balance as to size, coverage and age was attempted. general associations were also interviewed.
The three