9.
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While there is general sympathy from most members of the nursing staff towards the aim of the Association, the nurses themselves are split as regards industrial action. The Association of Government Nursing Staff favoured strong action while the Nurses Unit of the Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servants Association (HKCCSA) has adopted a more moderate position, namely, to continue pressing for a better deal through the normal channels. In the event, the Association of Government Nursing Staff submitted a petition to the Governor on 26th November reiterating its demands for improve- ment to their pay and structure and general conditions of service. A reply was sent on 7th December proposing positive improvement where possible and urging the Association to take part in further discussions with the Department.
10.
Discussion with the Association and the Nurses Unit of the HKCCSA resumed on 12th December where some initial agreements were reached. Now that the Association is
prepared to go back to the conference table, the temperature has cooled off considerably although the possibility of the Association escalating its industrial action still remains if discussions break down once more.
Postal Staff
11.
On 13th November 1979, the Union of Hong Kong Post Office Employees met to discuss the recommendations of the Standing Commission. In view of what the Postal Officers consider to be poor working conditions, long working hours, shortage of staff and inadequate promotion prospects; they protested against the Commission's view that Postal Officers' pay scale was on the high side and they threatened industrial action if no satisfactory reply was received by 29th November.
The moderate and militant elements in the Executive Committee of the Union however held different views on industrial action. In the event, the Chairman and 11 moderate members of the Executive Commission resigned on 10th December. The Union, now under the control of the militants, then called on its members to start working to rule on 11th December but the response was not unanimous and there is no significant disruption to postal service so far.
12.
Technical Officers/Survey Officers
13.
The pay scales and pay structure of technician grades in the Public Works Department, affecting similar grades in Housing Department, New Territories Administration and other departments were revised in August 1977. Following opposition from the staff, the Governor appointed in September 1977 a Committee of Inquiry to determine whether the revised pay scales and structure were fair and to recommend whether these should be amended. The Committee came to the conclusion that the revised pay scale and structure were broadly fair. The Association of Government Technical and Survey Officers was however unhappy with the findings of the Committee and petitioned the Governor in April 1978.
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