・
23-
99.
Since 1968, when total membership was only 169,676, there has been a steady increase in union membership and union participation rate. The union participation rate, i.e. total membership as a percentage of the total number of salaried employees and wage earners, has increased from 14% in 1968 to ne.rly 23% in 1979. However, because of political differences, the number of unions has grown beyond practical needs and divergent loyalties have prevented the emergence of an effective trade union organisation.
Some Employment Statistics
100. follows:
Aey statistics, as at 31 December 1979, are as
Labour force
ale
Female
Unemployment rate
2.19 million
1.43 million
0.76 million
2.8%
(adjusted for seasonal variations)
Employment in
Manufacturing
871,000
Wholesale, retail, import/
288,000
export trades
Restaurants and hotels
129,000
Government
126,000
Finance, insurance, real
113,000
estate and business services
Construction
80,000
Public utilitics
36,000
Work stoppages (1979)
Number
46
Working days lost
39,700