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53
117.
In order that there should be a clear line of demarkation as between the functions of the Registrar of Trade Unions if and when this office is divorced from the Department of Labour, and the functions of the Labour Officer in the Department who is concerned with trade union üevelopment, I have suggested that a directive be given to the latter, the details of which are set out in ppendix 15.
V TRADE UNION FEDERATIONS
118.
It is impossible to approve of the form of organisation or the activities of the two so-called "trade union federations" and the Government's action in refusing to recognise these bodies as trade union organisations is justified on factual and policy grounds if not on legal grounds. The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions has given some recognition to the Hong Kong and Kowloon Trades Union Council and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions has indirect connection with the World Federation of Trade Unions through the Chinese Communist Party.
119.
Quite clearly the objectives of both these federations are not those of normal trade union federations and neither is by any means representative in character. They have no common occup- ational or industrial basis and any policy they endeavour to impose on their affiliated unions is almost invariably designed to achieve some objective decided on by the few leaders.
120.
The welfare of the workers appears to be a secondary consideration with both of them. In the instances when either of these bodies has participated, either directly or indirectly, in a strike or negotiations, they have merely prolonged the strike or hindered a settlement. Their leaders are completely out of touch with the worlurs in the majority of the affiliated organisations and are quite unable to discuss matters with most employers with the requisite knowledge of the work or operations in the industry or occupation concerned despite their confidence in their ability so to do.
121.
Their very existence has hampered the development of good industrial relations and certainly their methods have lent some justification to the attitude of many employers in refusing to negotiate with affiliated unions. In addition the split in repre- sentation which is due to these semi-political organisations has weakened the strength of the unions and delayed the building up of organised collective bargaining.
122.
Many employers are of the opinion that if they negotiate a settlement with a union without the Federation's participation, it is likely to be repudiated. If on the other hand they bring in one of the federations the rival federation will criticise any agreed settlement if one can ever be achieved in such circumstances. There is some justification for this attitude.
123.
Neither federation is anxious to take the lead officially, despite their protestations to the contrary, and profers to stay in the background making suggestions or stirring up trouble as such action suits their purpose.
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