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Thursday, September 20, 1973
JOINT CONSULTATION CAN AVERT LABOUR DISPUTES
The "ostrich-like" approach to industrial relations by most
Hong Kong employers had taught workers that striking paid handsome
dividends, the Commissioner of Labour, Mr. I.R. Price, said today.
Employers, he added, could do well by completely overhauling
their industrial relations or personnel policies.
Speaking at today's luncheon of Island South Rotary Club, Mr. Prioe
said that too many avoidable strikes and disputes occurred in Hong Kong
because management had failed to establish a method of regular two-way
communication between itself and its employees.
"Also, all too often management has chosen to disregard early signs
no doubt in the mistaken hope that the trouble will solve
of discontent
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itself," he said.
"In these circumstances, management often declines to negotiate
or enter into discussions until a strike, sit-in, or go-slow has occurred.
"Ultimately, refusal to meet workers to discuss grievances until
after a strike has taken place nearly always puts management in the invidious
position of having to sit down and talk under duress either because
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the strike is still in progress or because there is a strong possibility that
the strike or go-slow will be re-started at any moment."
Hr. Price added: "I also suggest that before trouble arises,
employers should consult their respective associations, which should be
able to offor proper advice in any industrial dispute, actual or impending
though whether employers' associations in Hong Kong have experienced and
trained staff to give such advice is another matter."
/Urging the