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6.3
Relationship between Model Scale 1 and the Master Pay Scale
In the Consultative Document issued prior to the preparation of our First Report on Principles and Practices we raised the question whether the long-term objective should be to eliminate the differences between Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale employees altogether, or whether the circumstances of the employment of Model Scale 1 employees were such as to justify their remaining a separate group within the civil service. With few exceptions the replies to this question were that the aim should be to eliminate differences between Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale employees altogether. The majority of representations received in reply to our circular letter of 18th December 1979 also expressed the view that these differences should be eliminated. However, many of both the earlier submissions and the representations received in response to the circular letter recognised the complexity of such an exercise and that to grant the same terms to Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale employees could only be a long-term objective.
6.4
There are a number of major problems involved in eliminating the differences between Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale employees. Firstly, comparability with the private sector remains an important factor in determining civil service pay, and particularly so for this group of employees where a comparison can be readily drawn. The pay and condi- tions of Model Scale 1 employees should therefore have some regard to private sector practice. Secondly, both the nature and structure of Model Scale 1 grades are such that any changes can only be introduced gradually and after taking due account of existing relationships between Model Scale 1 staff and those on the Master Pay Scale. Thirdly, this type of employee forms the greater part of the Hong Kong work force, and the present Model Scale 1 terms have the advantage of permitting flexibility of movement between Government and the private sector.
6.5
Taking these factors into account we believe that Model Scale 1 employees should remain as a separate group within the civil service for the time being. However, we consider the differences between the pay and conditions of Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale employees should be reduced. As a first step we have examined the differences between the pay structure of Model Scale 1 and that of the Master Pay Scale.
Model Scale 1 Pay
6.6
The principal difference between the pay scale of Model Scale 1 employees and the pay scale of staff on the Master Pay Scale lies in the size of increments. In addition, Model Scale 1 is divided into four segments categorised by the titles: Workman II, Workman I, Artisan and Senior Artisan. In a move towards reducing differences between the pay scales of Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale employees, we therefore propose that Model Scale 1 should be restructured as a numbered scale, in the manner of the Master Pay Scale
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