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to reach a stage when we should go this far then we need to consider very corefully the definition which should be applied to the term 'recognition'. We could at this stage mean no more than we acknowledge the existence of the Unions and are prepared to consult with then because this would mean very little more than the situation as it exists at the moment since we make a practice of consulting them on most of the subjects which affect their membership. To go any further then this, and this is I an sure what the Unions are after, would need precision in definition particularly if we are going to get down to certain amount of bargaining on pay and other matters.
There are possibly three degrees of recognition:-
2.
of a Union as a channel of communication.
with bargaining powers for limited classes of employees.
3. with bargaining powers over defined subjects.
It would be essential with the nature of JSCCA that the recognised Unions should fora.a consortium so that JSCC could communicate with one representative body. I do not think we are yet near that stage although we have this year had the five Unions coming together to issue joint letters of complaint.
Quite obviously the PBY Union's main concern is that they should be recog- nised as representing the employees of PW and that they should have the right to bargain and negotiate over conditions of employment end, in particular, rates of pay. The pay problem is the importent one and we rely on the Command Secretary's staff to carry out the pay reviews. They have co-operation from a number of commercial employers and are very concemed that this information is given in confidence and might not be available if it were known that information was used in negotiations with staff Unions. It is relevant in this context to mention that the Unions have never produced documentary evidence in support of their claims that pay offers are inadequate except to the extent of producing the published results of pay enquiries in the Hong Kong Goverment field. Cur pay reviews are of course always based on the generality of good employers even though Hong Kong Government may be one of the most substantiel on the panel of employers.
I will keep you in touch with any further developments and particularly should the OD Union produce figures of their membership.
e. Fordham
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PF SOPER DIRECTOR
CONFIDENTIAL
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