∞
Government wage rates has a profound effect on the standards of the larger European firms.
Indications are that the average worker has an income margin well above that needed for the reasonable maintenance of himself and family.
On the other hand, there is much poverty due to high rentals resulting from the acute housing shortage.
12.
Hours of work.
There is no legislation covering hours of work other than for women and young persons. European employers generally have fixed working hours for their workers conforming to Western standards. This does not effect the hours of work in Chinese owned places of employment although there is said to be a movement towards a six day week.
While it is generally agreed that some reduction in working hours is desirable, particularly for shop assistants, in order to avoid hostility of the public and shop-keepers, the movement should be slow and gradual. To many Chinese, life and work are so closely integrated that they are almost the same thing.
They are convinced of the superiority of their own standards of values and outlook on life, and any rapid change to Western standards of employment and hours of work would not necessarily be to the advantage of the majority.
The Chinese labourer does not as a rule work continuously for long hours. While working hours are generally long, work is not arduous and workers are free to take time off to smoke, eat a meal or read newspapers. Any change in this practice, if inaugurated too quickly, would be strongly resented.
13. The Trade Board Ordinance
Ordinance No. 15 of 1940 has never been operated and in its present form requires amendment to provide for a Trade Board for the purpose of recommending wages rates etc.
14. Arbitration and Conciliation.
An Industrial Court should be set up for Arbitration Tribunals,
15.
Works Committees and Whitley Councils
Whitley Council functions explained and
# 8
a step towards introducing Whitley machinery in Hong Kong, Works Committees should be encouraged.
/16.