TNAG-0234-FCO40-270-Labour-disputes-and-trade-unions-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 22

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(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

The Hong Kong Government has a negative attitude towards

trade union development. (The latest Trade Union

Registration (Amendment) Bill may be raised.)

Other employers, including UK-based Government departments,

follow the Hong Kong Government's lead and adopt the same

negative attitude towards recognition of trade unions.

Recognition should be accorded when a union can show sub-

stantial membership (as was the case at HAECO).

Unions in Hong Kong wish to obtain recognition peacefully

without recourse to strike action.

HMG should encourage a change in attitude towards trade

unions by the Hong Kong Government and other employers not

least because effective trade unions can remove sources

of political, economic and social discontent and a strong

line from London would strengthen confidence in the British

Government among the Hong Kong labour force.

Trade Union Situation in Hong Kong

4. The trade union movement in Hong Kong has made little

progress, in terms of membership and influence, over the years.

Its estimated paid-up membership is still only about 125,000, or

less than 10 per cent of the Colony's workforce of about 1.5

million. This minority representation has not afforded the

trade union movement the strength needed to win formal recogni-

tion as bargaining agents over wages and conditions of service.

In a few cases, however, managements have entered into working

arrangements with unions which amount to tacit recognition as

consultative bodies. With the exception of a small neutral

/and