TNAG-0010-FCO40-46-Kowloon-disturbances-1986 — Page 127

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ANNEX

Hong Kong Disturbances

Events in Kowloon

The recent disturbances in Kowloon arise from an industrial

dispute in April between workers and their employers about wages

and conditions of employment involving 650 workers in two factories

producing artificial flowers. The injection moulding sections of

both factories were closed and the workers were dismissed. The

Labour Department of the Hong Kong Government offered to help the

parties to reach agreement but this was refused by both prties.

2. Disturbances broke out on the 6th May outside one of the

factories situated in Kowloon and as a result 21 persons were

arrested.

3. On the 8th May the Rubber and Plastic Workers Union put

forward four demands:-

(a)

immediate release of the workers arrested;

(b) punishment of the evil doers and compensation;

(c) guarantee of the workers and personal safety;

(a) no interference henceforth by the police in

labour disputes.

4. The pro-communist press endorsed these demands and deliberately

slanted its reporting to create the impression of unnecessary

brutality by the police who had in fact behaved with exemplary

moderation.

The pro-communist press also demanded apologies by

the Government.

5. Further disorders broke out in Kowloon on the 11th May and

continued for several days. The police were attacked, cars were

set on fire and some property was damaged. Curfews had to be

/declared

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