Despite the number and diversity of trade unions, there is little union activity and Hong Kong has relatively few industrial disputes. Working days lost during the past five years throughout all of Hong Kong's industries, public utilities and the Civil Service
were:
No. of
Work
Year
Stoppages
Working Days Lost
1975
17
17,600
1976
15
4,751
1977
38
10,814
1978
51
30,927
1979
46
39,743
Working Days Lost per 1,000
workers
11.63
3.08
6.37
17.50 20.60
The Labour Relations Division of the Labour Depart- ment enforces the Employment Ordinance which governs, among other things, employer-employee relations in respect of contracts of employment, payment of wages, maternity protection, holidays with pay, sickness allowance, severance payment, protec- tion against anti-union discrimination, annual leave with pay and vicarious liability of wage payment in the building and construction industry. Most of the
problems handled by the Division involve an individ- ual's claims to wages in arrears, wages in lieu of notice, and holiday pay. Severance pay has been increased to half of one month's wage per year of service. The Company and Bankruptcy Ordinances have also been amended to provide greater protection of wages in case of bankruptcy and liquidation.
In addition, the Division also offers free consultancy services to employers and employees on personnel management and industrial relations. Through the promotion of joint consultation, it seeks to improve communication between labour and management.
Working conditions are maintained at a high standard.
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