CONFIDENTIAL
This decline has been due in large measure to the forebearance of the labour force and their understanding that the
The present difficult trading conditions are not locally induced. restraint of the left-wing unions in avoiding confrontation with the authorities has also been a major factor and since the end of 1973 discipline has been tightened and these unions have trodden in labour disputes with even greater delicacy than previously. On some occasions such delicacy has even extended to left-wing unions specifically advising workers not to seek pay rises.
S
-
It is significant that in the one really serious labour dispute of the year the Paul Lee Construction Company affair - while supporting the workers the left-wing unions involved did not press the matter beyond making representations, petitioning etc. This showed quite remarkable restraint because the situation arose as a result of startling mismanagement, financial deception and what ultimately may prove to be criminal conspiracy and fraud by some of the Directors. Coupled with the fact that Government intervention by terminating the Public Works Contracts - brought matters to a head, a situation was created which in earlier years would have set up a tailormade target for atrong left-wing agitation. However, early action by the Labour Relations Service in advising the employer to terminate the services of his employees in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Employment Ordinance and a prompt advance from monies due by the Government to pay wages for work done, took most of the heat out of the dispute.
The membership of left-wing trade unions continues to increase at a greater rate than that of those affiliated to the T.U.C. as this analysis shows:
Total number of unions at
30.9.74
No. of unions with a/cs. examined up to 30.9.74
Comparison between paid-up membership
figures
Increase of decrease
Percentage
1973
(endin1934.9.74)
Affiliated to
66
47
101,716
118,917
+ 17,201
+ 16.9
F.T.U.
Friendly towards
25
14
10,873
13,032
2,159
+ 19.9
F.T.U.
Affiliated to T.U.C.
86
46
17,805
19,627
1,822
+ 10.2
Friendly towards
9
5
4,179
4,165
14
0.3
T.U.C.
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 150Page 151
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.