Pago 12
The Association, in an attempt to air their views and grievances, staged a 'poster campaign' on April 11, 1977 by pasting about 7,000 posters on the walls of various Government buildings. The following day, the Secretary for the Civil Service made an open statement threatening the Association that the latter might be billed for the removal of posters from, and cleaning up, Government Buildings or else charged with dofacing public property or littering. This cause was condemned by public opinion as an attempt to thwart minority groups hoping to air their grievancos. To-date, no further action in this respect has been taken by the authority.
In reply to questions raised by Councillors Mr LLUNG Tat-shing and Dr S.Y. CHUNG at the Legislative Council, Hong Kong, on April 12, 1977, the Secretary for the Civil Service made a goneral reply that discussion related to matters arising from the salary structure Between the Shorthand-Audio Typist Association and the Civil Service Branch would be held as and when necessary; nevertheless, nothing constructive has been achieved.
On October 10, 1977, the Association appealed to the
The Governor-in-Council, Hong Kong over their pay dispute. Appeal was rejected on the excuse that there was no right of doing so. It clearly and categorically slammed the door to any further bargaining through proper channel in the Colony of Hong Kong.
On his visit to Hong Kong, Mr J.A.B. Stewart, Head of Hong Kong Department of the Føreign & Commonwealth office, on instructions of The fit Hon The Lord Goronwy-Roberts, Minister of State, interviewed representatives of the Association on October 18 1977, through arrangements made by the Government of Hong Kong. The case was presented to Mr Stewart who undertook to look into the matter in consultation with the official-side.
It is a statutory procedure that any civil servant may appeal or make representations to the Secretary of State or Her Majesty the Queen on grievancos. At an extraordinary general meeting of the Association held on July 22, 1977, it was resolved that a delogation was to be expedited to the United Kingdom for the sole purpose of winning your sympathetic, favourable and impartial considoration on the issue and your most valuable advice, support or even intervention if possible, so that rectifications of injustice, disparity and unfairness could be made in the interests of the Shorthand-Audio Typists serving in the civil service of Hong Kong.
Produced by the Officers & Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Government Shorthand-Audio Typists Association
31st December, 1977.