CONFIDENTIAL
45
Brief for Mr. Anthony Royle's Meeting with Mr. James Johnson.MP. about the Hong Kong Trade Union Registration (Amendment Bill.
Summary
Points to be made
1.
2.
An undertaking has been given that there will be detailed consultation with the British T.U.C. on the draft Bill. (Paras. 3-
4).
In relation to the points made by Mr. England and Mr. Rear:-
(a) The policy of the Hong Kong Government has been to encourage
free trade unionism but political divisions in the movement and the apathy of workers have contributed to its present weakness. An Industrial Relations Act and the establishment of Labour Courts are under consideration. (Paras. 5 - 6).
(b) Existing legislation on strike action is not affected but
proposals for the registration of "temporary trade unions" give new protection to workers involved in trade disputes. (Para. 7).
(c) To make obstruction a picketing offence would follow U.K.
case law but this provision is still under consideration by the Hong Kong Government (Para. 8).
(a) Removal of the right to picket a person's home would
eliminate a possibility of intimidation peculiar to overseas conditions and accords with a proposal included in the Consultative Document on the U.K. Industrial Relations Act.
(Para. 9).
(e) The Hong Kong Government is reconsidering the clause
debarring from trade union office a person who has been convicted of an offence against public order. (Para. 10).
Mr Foggen
Cc. Thr Laird (with copy of the Elylead's letter to th- Joharon)
Mr Royle spoke to th. James Johnson MA. on there liver. Mr Johnson said hat he would like to write back to Mr. J.W. England (a
45/2
is attached
copy of
whose
latest lelte.
to his
on this sasis. The Royle offered to provide
a draft letter to Mr England getting ond the position and should be grateful of your Department (for Hong Kong Dept.
submit such a
draft.
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