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EMPLOYMENT
two local federations which bear allegiance to opposing political groups and which are registered as societies. Divided politically, and further separated by differences in dialect, the number of unions has grown beyond practical needs, and divergent loyalties have prevented those with common interests from amalgamating into effective organizations.
The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions supports the Chinese People's Republic. Most of the members of its 63 affiliated unions are concentrated in shipyards, textile-mills and public utilities, or are seafarers. A further 26 unions, nominally independ- ent, are friendly with the federation and participate in its activities. The other trade union federation, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Union Council, sympathizes with the policies of the Taiwan authorities. Most of the members of its 62 affiliated unions and of the 26 nominally independent unions, which generally support the TUC, are employed in the catering and building trades. The TUC is affiliated to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. There are 65 independent unions, a number of which continued to make improvements in their internal administration and in the services offered to their members.
The Labour Department organized one course of instruction in labour legislation for trade union members. This course was attended by 42 officers and members drawn from 17 trade unions. Three trade unionists attended the 14th Asian Labour Leadership In- stitute held from January to March at the Asian Labour Education Centre of the University of the Philippines, while three more attended the 15th Institute from October to December. Two trade unionists attended courses on industrial relations in the United Kingdom organized jointly by the Ministry of Overseas Develop- ment and the Ministry of Labour for overseas trade unionists. One trade unionist attended a study course at the Afro-Asian Institution of Labour Studies and Co-operation in Israel, while another participated in a seminar on trade unionism and co- operation held at the University of Malaysia under the joint sponsor- ship of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress and the Friederich Ebert Foundation. One officer of the Labour Department attended a study course with the Ministry of Labour in London and another went to Canada to attend a course on labour union leadership.