MR. GOODWIN
O.D.M.
Reference.
11 SEPIZO
2. L. A.
82
Visit of Mr. H. Gibson to Hong Kong
Arising from a visit of Mr. Gibson to Hong Kong in May/June, he has put forward an outline of labour legislation which he considers should be introduced if there is to be any improvement in, industrial relations. As you will see, he claims to have discussed the various points 'made during interviews with the Commission of Labour.
2.
I would welcome your comments on what is proposed. Have you any information about the latest situation regarding the Bill for a new Industrial Relations Act?
Copy to:
Mr. Kinnear
Mr. G. Foggan (F.C.0.).
(G. Foggon)
Overseas Labour Adviser
23 July, 1970.
Hong Kong Dept.
Mr. Gibson's suggestions seemed such a garbled mixture that I wrote to Bob Hetherington for his version of the discussions, but have not yet received a reply.
2. Measured by loss of man daya and the number of trade disputes, industriál relations in Hong Kong can only be regarded as extremely good; but, of course, as we know cnly too well, this is not the full story, and there must bo a great deal of accumulated discontent which cannot be adequately expressed through the existing arrangements for industrial relations.
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3. As I mentioned several times in correspondence from Hong Kong and I am sure you know otherwise there are few people in positions of influence in Hong Kong who would wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Gibson that industrial relations can be improved by the growth of the treda-union movement even "a strong, free" movement. Recent trado- union attitudes and the wave of industrial unrest in this country would be cited as confirmation of these views,
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4. Visiting trade-unionists like Mr. Gibson would be politely received, but my guess is that they cut absolutely no ice in Hong Kong at all. In the past, they have been inclined to make or at least have been quoted as making auch wildly inaccurate statements on the local soene as to make themselves ridiculous, Certainly thoy usually gave mo the impression, that they were far more interested in furthering their own interests as officiels of national unions or international trade secretariats than in gemuinely promoting the interests of Hong Kong workers. The Hong Kong affiliate of the International Textile & Germent Workers' Federation has a resident adviser,
/Mr. Leong
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