CO129-505-4 Labour situation in Canton and effect on Hong Kong- Labour Advisory Board 27-1-1927 - 31-8-1927 — Page 86

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for having secured the registration of the unions.

They have even formed armed pickets and sent them

out to force people to become members. This is

not only prejudicial to the objects of Government

in guiding and protecting the worksen, but will

also give restless scoundrels a chance to deprive

the true workmen of all their advantages.

Therefore

in order to protect the interests of the true

workmen and to prevent trouble caused in the name

of unions, the above regulation is made.

(5) No labour union shall collect subscriptions

or membership fees in excess of the amounts

specified in the laws for the control of labour

unions, nor shall it levy under any pretext any

commission or tax from any shop or factory for

goods purchased or sold, so as to aggravate the

burden of the workmen and merchants.

(Explanation) The amount of subscriptions and

member ship fees of any labour union are generally

fixed by Government on approval of its registration.

but the corrupt officers of some unions have often

after registration raised the mibscriptions and

fees without any definite limit. It is indeed

regrettable that they have thus impaired the

interests of the workmen and corruptly usurped the

power of the unions. 11 labour unions have their

own incomes to meet their expenses, and any levy of

commission or tax will affect the revenues of

Government on the one hand, and aggravate the burden

of workmen and marchants on the other, and will

also load to much malpractice.

Therefore in order

to