HỒNG KONG
however, provide for a system to handle settlement of disputes. Free conciliation service is afforded by the DOL's labor relations division to employers and employees involved in labor disputes or grievances. It also carries out promotional activities through visits to employers' and employees' organizations; organizes training courses, talks and seminars; and assists employers in setting up, jointly with labor, consultation machinery. In the case of disputes, if initial conciliation efforts are unsuccessful, the dispute may be referred to arbitration with the consent of the parties, or a board of inquiry may be established to investigate and make suitable recommendations. Use of this system is widespread. Workers are protected against antiunion discrimination under Hong Kong legislation. Employees who allege such discrimination have the right to have their cases heard by the DOL's labor relations division. Employers who attempt to prevent or deter an employee from joining a labor union, or who terminate an employee for joining a labor union, are liable to a fine of approximately $650. There are no export processing zones in Hong Kong Export-oriented firms operate under the same labor laws as other firms.
Individual labor claims are adjudicated by the Labor Tribunal, a part of the judicial branch, which provides quick, inexpensive machinery for resolving disputes arising between workers and management over breach of contract, wages in lieu of notice or termination of service, arrears of wages, and other claims relating to pay. The tribunal complements the conciliation service provided by the DOL's labor relations division.
C.
Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor
Existing labor legislation prohibits forced labor, and it does not appear to be practiced.
d. Minimum Age for Employment of Children
Under the Women and Young Persons Regulations and Employment for Children Regulations, minors are allowed to do limited part-time work in nonindustrial establishments beginning at age 13, subject to conditions aimed at ensuring a minimum of 9 years' education. They are allowed to engage in full-time work at age 15. Employment of females under age 18 in establishments subject to liquor regulations is prohibited. The Labor Inspectorate conducts workplace inspections to ensure that working hours conform to the law and that no persons under the age of 15 are employed full-time. During 1989, the Inspectorate carried out 219,217 inspections of more than 11,000 establishments in industrial and nonindustrial sectors, which resulted in 159 cases of child employment brought before the courts. Some labor observers maintain, however, that successful prosecution against employers who hire underaged workers are rare, partly because of the inadequate number of inspectors and partly because of the reluctance of workers to testify against their employers.
•
Acceptable Conditions of Work
There is no legislated minimum wage. Wage rates are determined by supply and demand. The overall average daily wage rate for workers is about $23 a day, with men receiving about $28 and women $20. The average wage for unskilled male workers ranges from about $20 a day in the manufacturing sector to about $38 a day in construction; women make roughly