G
3.
THE COMMERCIAL TELEVISION CLOSURE (1978)
On August 22, 1978, the CTV station closed its
doors without any prior notice, making 800 employees jobless.
They tried all means to get compensation or the re-opening of
the station. They petitioned the Governor on August 29, September 7,
and October 2. On October 3 dawn, four leaders were arrested and
charged with unlawful assembly. The pleaded not guilty. However,
they were convicted but were released.
One urban councillor commented, 'the conclusion
are clear, Hong Kong police are part of a police state, the police have absolute power to arrest citizens on any charges they
(Source: Hong Kong Standard November 22, 1978
Forum on the arrest of 4 ex-employees of CTV)
4.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYS IS
1.
2.
1
In many other cases, before or when the workers organised to fight for their rights or to improve their working conditions, the police, either uniformed or plainclothed, appeared in the vicinity. Their presence, even if there was no arrest or harrassment, had a damaging effect on the unity among workers.
The Government has another secret weapon to deal with disputes. According to the Labour Relations Ordinance, the Governor in Council can order a 'cooling off period' to suppress any dispute which is likely to occur or has begun. This order
may require any person to withdraw any instruction for
industrial action. And, any person who
i) calls, organises, procures or finances a strike or
threatens to do so;
ii) organises, procures or finances any irregular
industrial action short of a strike or threatens
to do so;
iii) institutas, carries on, authorises, organises or
finances a lockout or threatens to do so; or iv) penalises or otherwise discriminates against an employee because of his taking part, failing or
refusing to take part in the trade dispute;
is guilty of contempt of court.
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