IMMEDIATE
CYPHER/CAT A
FM HONG KONG 0248572
RESTRICTE D
DESKEY #21060Z
RESTRICTED
See 37
32
TOP COPY
HKK 43
RECEIVED IN RESISIKY NO.
3 - MAY 1973
DESK OFFICIA
INDEX
PA
51
Asadul 08
STAFF-IN-CONFIDENCE
TO IMEDIATE F.C.O TELNO.551 OF 2 MAY 78.
(31)
YOUR TELNO.340: SHORTHAND AUDIO TYPISTS DISPUTE.
1. T-E PRESENT POSITION REMAINS AS SET OUT IN THE GOVERNOR'S LETTER OF 18 APRIL TO CLIVE JENKINS, COPIED TO STEWART AND, HURST. WE HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BASE THE REPLY ON THAT
LETTER AND ON BRIDGE'S TELNO.170 OF 11 FEBRUARY 78 TO STEWART,
2. IN OUR VIEW THE CONTINUED INTEREST IN THIS AFFAIR IN THE
U.K ADDS WEIGHT TO THE POINTS MADE IN PARA.7 OF BRIDGE'S TEL
OF 11 FEBRUARY AND WE COUNSEL CAUTION OVER ANY ACTION WHICH
MIGHT LEAD TO CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS APPEALING TO LONDON AS A
MATTER OF COURSE,
3. AS REGARDS PARA.3 OF QUANTRILL'S LETTER OF 14 APRIL, I DO
NOT SEE HOW WE COULD UNILATERALLY FORCE ON THE 109 STAFF
CONCERNED THE BENEFITS OF THE NEW SCHEME, WHICH THEY HAVE
REFUSED TO ENTER. NOR WOULD THIS BE FAIR ON THE 2,50% OTHER
MEMBERS OF THE SECRETARIAL CLASS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED REGRADING.
4. WE APPRECIATE THE DIFFICULT SITUATION YOU ARE IN AND HAVE
CONSIDERED WHETHER IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE IN THE
ANSWER A CAUTIOUS REFERENCE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT TURNER
MAY RECOMMEND NEW ARBITRATION MACHINERY FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
HOWEVER, WE HAVE ONLY RECEIVED FROM TURNER HIS PROVISIONAL
VIEWS DATED 13 DECEMBER 1977.
5. WE CONSIDER IT ESSENTIAL TO AWAIT TURNER'S FINAL REPORT
BEFORE WE TAKE ANY DECISIONS ON THE ADOPTION OF NEW PROCEDURES,
RESTRICTED
/ I FEEL THEREFORE