TNAG-0234-FCO40-270-Labour-disputes-and-trade-unions-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 30

FIRKOO

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Thursday, November 12, 1970

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LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE

Helped Sattle 276 Labour Problems In October

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The Labour Relations Service helped employers and workers to

resolve 276 labour problems in October.

As a result of agreements reached, 837 workers received a total

of $419,792 as outstanding wages, payment in lieu of notice and severance

pay. The nominal claims made by workers in cases other than major

disputes amounted to $515,810.

Officers of the Service also handled 1,201 consultations and

enquiries on matters relating to labour laws, industrial relations and

staff management. They visited 21 establishments to advise employers

on the introduction of joint consultative machinery to strengthen

communication between labour and management.

As usual, the Kowloon office had the largest share of conciliation

work, dealing with 46 per cent of all cases. The Hong Kong office of the

Service handled 27.5 per cent, the Tsuen Wan office 9.3 per cent, and the

Kwun Tong office 17.2 per cent.

In two cases of insolvency, it was necessary to advise the employer

to notify his employees, in accordance with section 204 of the Employment

Ordinance, Cap. 57, of the immediate termination of their employment because

he had ceased to believe upon reasonable grounds that he could pay wages

for any further work.

The Labour Relations Service, which functions as an independent

and neutral party, acts as a catalyst between employers and employees in

an attempt to help them resolve their differences. It does not in any

way arbitrate or judge the rights or wrongs of any disputes.

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