requires the prior dissolution of component unions. The Pre-Amalgamation
Co-ordinating Team (PACT) established by these unions still survives as an
informal body. Some of its members are now planning a new general union
directly competitive with the KCCS. Under the. Trade Union Ordinance,
general unions must name each and every trade, industry or occupation they
intend to cover. At present, there is a heated debate going on over the rules
and constitution of the new organisation.
other unions
These attempts demonstrate some desperation on the part of unions
which would prefer the greater independence federation bestows. While the
HKCCSA recently altered its rules to encompass all civil servants
see affiliation to this body as essentially unequal in comparison to PACT.
If the non-recognition of PACT does not respresent deliberate obstruction it
certainly is convenient that such a large body cannot be formally registered.
It would have strong claims to representation on the SCSC.
government states broader representation is desirable.
12
Publicly, the
Privately, it fears
the prospect of more militant associations banding together.
13
!
England and Rear see legal constraints as a relatively minor
reason for the fragmentation of unions. This view is not altogether valid
for-civil service unions. The cases outlined above indicate the problem of
legal obstacles in the face of a clear desire by unions to join together.
The govemment encourages the formation of small associations but inhibits
their building into larger units, for political reasons. This has led to an
-increasing degree of animosity and frustration on the part of trade unions.
General Social Changes Accompanying Industrialisation
At a broader level, various cultural and social reasons might be
offered to explain the upsurge in union organisation. These include the Chinese
desire to form-associations because they provide a sense of importance or 'face'
12.
13.
Speech given by A.J. Scott, Secretary, to the Civil Service, in the Legislative Council 11.1.76.
England and Rear Op. cit.