44
EMPLOYMENT
international labour conventions are observed. The registration of industrial undertakings and regular inspections safeguard healthy working conditions. The department conciliates in disputes between management and labour and offers advice on the establishment of appropriate machinery for joint consultation. Trade unions are guided in their formation and management classes are organized on the various aspects of their activities. Largely through the investigations of its labour inspectors and health visitors, the department administers legislation governing workmen's compensa- tion and the working conditions of women and young persons employed in industry. An important section provides training in supervisory techniques. Special protection is given to emigrant labour, and redundant workers of military and civil establishments are helped to find alternative employment.
Emphasis is given to providing adequate publicity on any legislation with which the department is concerned. Throughout the year, large numbers of posters illustrating industrial safety were despatched to factories, and articles on all aspects of the department's work appeared regularly in the local press. Although it was decided not to participate, as in the four preceding years, in an exhibition of Hong Kong products organized by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, plans were under consideration to hold a separate exhibition in 1962, having safety as its theme.
The Registry of Trade Unions is responsible for administering the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Ordinance in so far as it affects the registration and internal administration of trade unions. It deals with the registration of new trade unions, and with appli- cations for the registration of alterations to rules and change of name or amalgamation by registered unions, and with dissolutions. The Registrar also has the power to cancel the registration of a union in certain circumstances. Registered trade unions are required by the Ordinance to send annual returns to the Registrar before 1st June each year and also to send their audited accounts within one month of presentation to members.
The year ended with 312 unions on the register as against 315 in December 1960. Seven new organizations were registered (four of workers and three of employers) but 10 were removed from the register, three having ceased to exist and four had their registra- tions cancelled for violation of the provisions of the ordinance and