12.
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Finally on Article 6, the Hong Kong Government has in the past interpreted the application of Convention 98 in accordance with the advice given in paragraph 3 of the Notes on Convention 98 for the Guidance of overseas Governments forwarded with the despatch dated 30th January 1958 from the Secretary of State which stated, inter alia, that "The Convention applies to all workers and to all workers and employers' organistions but not public servants who are specifically excluded by Article 6. The term "public servants" covers civil servants...." me existence of Convention 151 especially for public service would tend to reinforce the interpretation that Convention 98 was not intended to apply to central government public service. Notwithstanding this, we have adhered to the principles of Convention 98 in our promotion and development of machinery for consultation and, wherever necessary, for voluntary negotiation with civil service unions in Hong Kong.
to
13.
In addition, you will be aware of the establishment in Hong Kong of the independent Standing Commission on Civil Service Lay. and Conditions of service in early 1979, comprising solely of private citizens from various professions including Unofficial Legislative and Urban Councillors, advise the Governor. on all matters relating to the pay and structure, and conditions of service, of the Hong Kong Civil Service. Your Labour Adviser's office has confirmed in a letter dated 12th December 1980, reference LAG 214/4, that the establishment of this standing Commission meets the requirements of article 8 of Convention 151 which concerns the setting up of impartial machinery to settle disputes.
14.
Recently in September 1980, the Standing Commission submitted a report (Report No.4) to the Governor making certain recommendations on how to improve the consultative. machinery within the Civil Service in Hong Kong. Briefly, these recommendations include:-
(a) the establishment and strengthening, at
departmental level, of machinery for consulting staff so that communication between staff and management can be further improved;
(b)
(c)
proposals to set up a new central council to represent junior civil servants; this council will be in addition to; and not in place of, the Senior Civil Service Council.
a review to be jointly undertaken by the official and staff sides of the Senior Civil Service Council on the 1968 Agreement to see if it still meets present day needs and circumstances and to consider what improvements, if necessary, may be introduced; und
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