We
now
therefore propose to amend the Trade Unions
Ordinance to allow unions to use their funds
for
electoral
purposes in District Board, Urban and Regional Council, and
Legislative Council elections. Electoral purposes include
the use of union funds to pay any expenses incurred by
candidate in connection with his candidature or election;
and distribute any literature
and to register
hold any meeting; to prepare
or
documents
in support of
candidate; a
electors OF
to
select a candidate.
However,
to
such
expenditure will be subject to the limits on election
expenses under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance.
members
То safeguard the interests of individual union
the Bill stipulates that a union must seek the
approval of its members by secret ballot before money can be
spent for electoral purposes. This is provided for by the
new section 33A, which requires
union to obtain the
authority of the majority of its voting members by secret
ballot before it sets up an electoral fund from which
electoral expenses may be paid.
Contributions to the fund
ar to be voluntary and no one is to be prejudiced in his
right to join, or continue to be, 2 member of
because of his refusal to contribute.
union