not controlled by inappropriate outside organisations. It should be noted that the Governor has so far given consent to all applications for external affiliation.
Right to Bargain Collectively (ILO Convention 98) The Hong Kong Government maintains that employers and employees should be left free to decide between them what kind of agreement they want to reach, what its terms shall provide and how best to ensure that all the parties concerned fulfil their part of the bargain. They believe that it would not be practical to require by law one party to enter into any collective agreement with the other on conditions of employment in view of Hong Kong's circumstances such as a high labour mobility, a low union participation rate (about 19%) and predominance of small employers (about 93% of establishments have less than 20 employees).
The "Labour Management Joint Consultative Committee" is aimed at improving management/staff communication. It is not intended to replace the trade unions in collective bargaining. In line with the provisions of ILO Convention No 98, the Hong Kong Government has taken measures appropriate to local conditions to encourage and promote voluntary negotiation between employers and employees or their respective organisations.
Labour Relations - Public Service (ILO Convention 151)
On the disqualification of civil servants from seeking candidature and election to the District Boards, Urban, Regional and Legislative Councils, and LegCo, the Hong Kong Government maintains that it is important that the civil service remains politically neutral in order to ensure that government business is, and is seen to be, conducted impartially.
eve.
Abe
ALASTAIR GOODLAD