TNAG-0588-FCO40-721-Publications-on-Hong-Kong-affairs-in-UK-Fabian-Society-pamph-1976 — Page 37

Conditions of Work

6.

In the absence of an effective trade union movement, the Hong Kong Government has accepted that it has particular responsibilities for labour conditions in the Colony.

7.

passed.

Since 1968, over 90 items of labour legislation have been

Measures include:

(a) protection of workers against anti-union

(b)

(c)

discrimination;

the introduction of severance pay;

statutory limits on hours of overtime by women and

young persons;

(a) the introduction of a Labour Tribunal;

(e)

(f)

a Labour Relations Ordinance to provide statutory backing for the labour relations service of the Labour Department and procedures for settlement of labour disputes where conciliation has failed;

extension of the Workers Compensation Ordinance. The Fabian pamphlet itself draws attention to the Hong Kong Labour Department's wide programme of reform (see page 14). We all recognise that more should be done but there is a problem of priorities here. We can expect further progress to be made: the Hong Kong Government is certainly prepared to consider the next steps.

8.

HMG has instituted an annual review of Hong Kong's performance in applying ILO Conventions. In fact, Hong Kong's performance compares reasonably favourably with that of its Asian neighbours.

9.

The Hong Kong Labour Department has devoted particular attention to regular and systematic campaigns to check on the illegal employment of children. The Department's policy is to prosecute in every case where an under-age child is employed.

/Social Welfare