TNAG-0234-FCO40-270-Labour-disputes-and-trade-unions-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 128

-

2

1

Kong that HAECO now refuse to recognise the Union on the

grounds that its members are employed by HAECO on con-

tract. He pointed out that his Union has negotiated

many agreements with Aircraft concerns whose employees

are employed under contract and he did not consider the

reason given an adequate one for refusal to accord rec-

ognition to the Union.

Mr Jenkins went on to say that the Hong Kong

Chinese members of the Union are paid less than expat-

riot members, although in some cases they are better

qualified. The Union wishes to obtain equal pay for

Chinese and expatriot members.

Mr Jenkins stated that, if HAECO refused to recog-

nise and deal with the Union in Hong Kong, he could dec-

lare Hong Kong "black" which would result in B.O.A.C.

and American air lines refusing to fly to the Colony.

He would be reluctant to do this, however, as he fully

appreciated the serious results which such an action

would have on the general economic and political sit-

uation in Hong Kong, and he therefore hoped that it

would be possible for the Hong Kong Government to be

asked to do what they could to get HAECO to recognise

the Union. He produced copies of correspondence ex-

changed between the new Union in Hong Kong and HAECO in

regard to the Union's requests for recognition.

Mr Foggon was asked by Mr Jenkins what action he

advised, and he recommended that Mr Jenkins should write

to Mr Wakeford of HAECO, referring to his meeting with

him of last year and giving examples of other negotiations

with employers whose staff were also under contract and

explain the fact that a contract of employment did

not debar the employees' union from negotiating better

NOTHING TO BE Written IN THIS MARGIN