TNAG-0234-FCO40-270-Labour-disputes-and-trade-unions-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 53

Glad .D.1.B.

Saturday, October 24, 1970

35

LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE

Fewer Major Disputes In Second Quarter

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The Labour Relations Service of the Labour Department dealt with

25 major disputes during the second quarter of this year ten fewer

than in the first.

Seven of the cases arose out of differences over wage rates,

changes in conditions of employment, or complaints about working conditions.

Five concerned dismissals, seven were due to prolonged lay-off or redundancy,

three to the insolvency of the employer. The other three involved a variety

of reasons.

Most of the cases were settled by agreement, with the help of

Labour Relations Service Officers working in five units located in Hong

Kong, Kowloon (two units), Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan.

As a result of settlements reached, nearly $178,500 were paid to

445 workers as arrears of wages, payment in lieu of notice under the Employment

Ordinance and ex gratia severance pay. There were 12 strikes, resulting

in a total loss of 10,303 man-days, 15,204 less than in the previous quarter,

Nine of these strikes were due to disputes over piece rates.

The Labour Relations Service also dealt with 99 large wage claims

for a total sum of $1,500 or more, and handled 685 minor cases in which the

total claimed was less than $1,500. Settlement by agreement of both these

types of claims resulted in almost $240,150 being paid to 747 workers.

IN

No 31

PATRI

AL.

The Labour