ISSUES ON LABOUR RIGHTS
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1. INTRODUCTION
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In this section, we will describe briefly two
of the many labour disputes in Hong Kong and how the Government reacted. We will also discuss how the control measures taken by the Government over labour disputes violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
THE GREAT EASTERN TEXTILE STRIKE (1970)
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Workers of the textile factory asked for an increase of their wages. Nine of their representatives were dismissed and
negotiations broke down. Then the workers want on strike, Од June 13, 1970 pickets were stationed outside the factory. Police escorted a mini-bus to enter the factory. When the workers tried to stop the bus, the police attacked them, hurting three and arresting ten. They were charged with obstruction. On July 2,1970 they pleaded guilty and were each placed on a six-month behaviour bond of $100.
As a writer pointed out:
in its
a) Here is an example of how the complexity of the law on
picketing ensures that strikers have no idea whether they are acting in'accordance with the law or not .. present state a strict application of the law would penalize, in one way or another, picketing of any kind.
öne b) The attitude of the police in individual disputes appears too often to be one of enthusiastic anti-unionism. There was no violence in the strike until it was introduced
by the police. The state of the law and the attitude of the pelice combine to place a psychological pressure upon
strikers. They never know when their actions will lead
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to a clash with the police.
(Source: Workers Weekly 1970-6-22
Chinese Labour Under British Rule P. 300-304 )
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