TNAG-0231-FCO40-267-Conditions-of-employment-of-labour-force-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 42

CONFIDENTIAL

3. Both men are familiar with Hong Kong. It is expected

that they may make some of the following points:-

(a) The general attitude of the Hong Kong Government

to improvement in workers' conditions is not in

keeping with H..G's general policy overseas in

labour matters.

(b) Such improvements as have recently been made are a

result of Parliamentary pressure and pressure from

Whitehall and not of a change of heart in Hong Kong.

(c) The negative attitude to trade union development is

particularly unfortunate; the latest Trade Union

Amendment Bill will make life harder for the unions.

(The subject of picketing laws may be raised).

•

(a) The Trade Union (Amendment) Bill now under consideration

is unduly restrictive, first in regard to the prohibition

on trade union officials who have been convicted of

certain offences;

and second in relation to the

tightening up of the law on picketing.

(e) What is needed is a new Industrial Relations Bill (and

perhaps the establishment of Labour Courts).

Trade Union Situation in Hong Kong.

4. The Government cannot create trade unions, nor can it

compel workers to join them. It is recognised that trade union

legislation in Hong Kong is in some respects more restrictive

A

2

CONFIDENTIAL