TNAG-0383-FCO40-429-Trade-unions-and-industrial-relations-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 94

CONFIDENTIAL

TALKING POINTS

11. (a) Why did Dr Jenkins miss the opportunity to discuss these

questions with responsible officials on the spot?

(b) Did he meet any of the local trade union leaders (or officials)?

If so, which?

(c) Did he meet the local representatives of the International

Trade Secretariats (see paragraph 5 (d) above ). (They are

of Chinese extraction and are engaged full time on trade

union organisational problems).

(d) On what lines would he prepare legislation to provide for

proper trade union recognition? (The law in this country

has always accepted that the recognition of a trade union

by an employer is primarily a matter between the employer

and the union(s) concerned). However, under the Industrial

Relations Act recognition of a union for bargaining purpose

can be taken to the Commission on Industrial Relations.

Does Mr Jenkins want to ammend the Industrial Relations Act

for adoption in Hong Kong?

(e) Did he encounter the argument so often deployed in Hong Kong

that our record of industrial trouble here makes them very

cautious about what trade unions might do to Hong Kong trade?

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

19 February 1973

CONFIDENTIAL