n the career advancement of social workers, we deem it essential that the opinion and concerns of social workers reflected through our Union be given due consideration. Therefore, we cannot agree that the present machienery is fairly represented. Cur stand, as Sir, you may be aware, is also shared by Mr. Robert Parry, Member of Parliament, who called for in the House of Commons that "the Hong Kong Social Workers' General Union being represented on the Steering Committee." (S.C.M.P. 5th April, 1980)
7.
Cur Union in fact has written several times to the
What concerned department reflecting the views of our members.
as to represent we are demanding for is direct participation sc social workers in liong Kong to contribute further to this review. However, the Union received letters from the Director of Social Welfare suggesting us to make written representation to the Steering Committee. Such an indirect channel, we understand, is contradictory. to your policy of encouraging participation in community affairs since channels of direct communication and dialogue do exist.
In addition, the Director of Social Welfare had only indicated that written representation is feasible but without giving us the necessary information, such as the full report on Welfare Class Review conducted in the department and the report on the progress of the Steering Committee and the Working Group. We are sure that this information is essential to cur Union if effective participation in the Steering Committee is desired.
9.
While the channel of direct dialogue does exist, why creat unnecessary hierarchy and barrier to hamper our Union from direct representation in the said Committee? We ponder over the sincerity of your officials at "welcoming" participation from the community in solving problems of their deep concern. We, therefore, consider that the measures you have taken se far would not enhance the review machinery to carry out the task "smoothy and expeditiously", but, would cause needless delay.
:
10.
At the Legislative Council Meeting held on 26th March, 1980, Dr. the Hon. Harry Fang called for "an assurance from the Government that it is the Government's intention to treat voluntary agency staff equally and equitably with their Government counterparts; and that any salary adjustments that may arise from the present review of the voluntary sector will apply retroactively from April 1979." Cur Union extends full support to this call and urges your prompt reply to it.
11.
We sincerely hope that the above points would be duly
considered.
KONG
HONG
SOCIAL
VIOKKERS'
GENERAL
晋赌髹争工作者趱工會
*****
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
c.c. Chief Secretary
UNION
Secretary for Social Services Director of Social Welfare
Yours sincerely
Jan Kurte Yo
LAU Kwok-yu, Chairman Organising Committee
H.K. Social Workers' General Union
Members of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee Director of the H.K. Council of Social Service
President of the H.R. Social Workers' Association
Members of the UNELCO
Members of the Steering Committee and Working Group on WCR Mr. Christopher Patten, M.P.
Mr. Ted Rowlands, H.P.
Mr. Ian Wriggleworth, M.P. Mr. Robert Parry, M.P.
Mr. Dennis Canavan, Mr. Harry Cowans,
M.P. V.P.