CO129-626-3 Labour Department- report to Labour Commissioner 1-3-1951 - 30-6-1952 — Page 3

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invariably pays dividends. The majority of employers do not seem to have made much effort to develop joint negotiating machinery and the reason most frequently given is that the unions have not yet developed sufficiently on sound lines to permit of this. Although there is an element of truth in this, such a statement is too sweeping.

The degree of latitude allowed to some Chinese newspapers to indulge in Communist

propoganda is surprising, and must affect the outlook of the workers.

3.

of Labour.

4.

Labour Policy.

Statement of agreed policy of the Department

Trade Unions

On 1st January, 1951, there were 197 workers trade unions, 4 guilds and 72 employers associations officially registered. There were also 2 so-called Federations of Trade Unions, neither having been registered under the Trades Union and Trade Disputes Ordinance but both registered under the Societies Ordce. Entrance fees

range from 1-100 dollars, but some are based on earnings. Women generally pay same as men but there

are some who contribute at a lower rate. Death benefit schemes are almost universal. Workers clinics are developing. Some members pay sickness benefit. Many unions provide free lodging for unemployed members and a few give assistance by way of free rice or even money. Few make provision for strike pay. Many unions endeavour to provide some education for the children of their members and some for adult education.

Some unions - mainly those affiliated to the Federation of Trade Unions are connected with an organisation known as the Educational Advancement Society which has arranged for the establishment of a number of schools - but the fact that the Federation is behind the movement gives the impression that the type of education is not unbiased or disinterested.

There are far too many trade unions with too many full time officials.

While the main reason for the existence of guilds has disappeared, i.e., the safeguarding of the secrets of trade or craft, these organisations are understood by the workers and should be encour- aged.

90 of the workers trade unions with member- ship of 59.510 are affiliated to the Hong Kong and

/Kowloon