TNAG-0231-FCO40-267-Conditions-of-employment-of-labour-force-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 44

CONFIDENTIAL

difficulty has arisen in regard to the recently formed

Association of Scientific Technical and Managerial Staffs in

Hong Kong which has been refused recognition by the Hong Kong

Aircraft Engineering Company on the grounds that this is

unnecessary as most of its members have individual contracts

of employment. The company .might be prepared to discuss

general conditions of employment, e.g. facilities for staff,

working conditions, shift working, canteens, medical benefits

and other fringe matters, NOT wages, individual contracts or

the difference between local and expatriate terms of employment.

Labour Legislation in the pipeline.

8.

An Industrial Relations Bill and legislation to establish

labour courts are under consideration in Hong Kong. Mr. Gibson

has made some detailed comments about matters that might be

included in this legislation; these will, of course, be carefully

considered.

9. It has been accepted in principle by the Governor, the

Labour Advisory Board and some employers' associations that

special labour courts should be established by statute to provide

something like instant justice in claims between employees and

employers arising out of terms and conditions of employment,

particularly statutory requirements. It is intended that the

claim should first be reported to the Labour Department's Labour

Relations Officers who would endeavour to promote a settlement

by conciliation. If this failed, the case could be referred to

the Court although cases could still be entertained without

conciliation procedures having been used.

- 4 -

CONFIDENTAL