XN000022-1974-01-31 — Page 10

9

Thursday, January 31, 1974

The conciliation facilities of the Service were heavily utilised

by employers and employees in a series of disputes which occurred during last

summer and autumn in the plastics industry, wig industry, major construction

projects, a telecommunications company and a dockyard. All these disputes

were amicably settled.

The Service takes up new responsibility as a result of the

incorporation into the Employment Ordinance of the new provisions for

sickness allowance and holidays with pay. These provisions, which wore

introduced by two stages on July 1, 1973 and January 1, 1974, substantially

improved the benefits provided by the legislation.

According to Mr. Tsui, industrial workers and non-industrial workers

are equally entitled to such benefits.

"An employee can now accumulate sickness allowance up to 24 days

at a time. He would be qualified for sickness allowance as well as holiday

pay for the six statutory holidays if he has three months' continuous

employment with a particular employer," he said.

"The new law is well received by workers and is operating smoothly."

Commenting on labour relations in Hong Kong, Mr. Tsui said the Hong

Kong economy was affected by the secondary effects of a world-wide energy

crisis and shortage of raw materials.

"However, the employers and workers of Hong Kong have set a unique

oxample of mutual understanding by steadfastly maintaining their traditional

co-operation and harmony in the face of economic difficulties, which have

arisen through no fault of Hong Kong's own.

/10

Page 10Page 11