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Safety Legislation
4.
In a report issued in April this year, the ILO said that Hong Kong's legislation on occupational safety and health was outstanding. The report noted that Hong Kong has a comprehensive body of standards effectively enforced by inspection services.
Employment Protection
5. The Employment Ordinance lays down the minimum periods of notice that must be given by either party to a contract of employ- ment, and specifies the rates of severance pay that apply for workers made redundant or laid off. It also contains provision for the protection of employment during sickness and maternity. Apart from this, there are no special provisions for the protection of employment in Hong Kong.
Trade Union Rights
6. ILO Convention No.87 on Freedom of Association and the Protection of the Right to Organise has been applied with one minor modification in Hong Kong. The modification relates to rights to affiliate with organisations outside Hong Kong. Given the special circumstances of Hong Kong, the Government believe that trade unions should only be permitted to affiliate with international organisations with the prior agreement of the Governor in Council. There is no restriction on the right to join trade unions and strike (except, of course, in the disciplined services).