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"HONG KONG TOWARDS EFFECTIVE TRADE UNIONISM"
General
Last year, the National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers prepared a paper, "Hong Kong: The Problem Colony", which was largely intended to highlight the inadequate social and economic conditions in Hong Kong. The paper appealed for a new social deal for the Crown Colony's workers and their families, in order to improve their
living standards and enhance their well-being. In this paper, to take the argument further, suggestions are set out which, it is hoped, will merit consideration in order
to assist in the development of effective and represent- ative trade unionism in Hong Kong.
Some changes are taking place in the Colony. More hous- ing is being built; educational facilities are being ex- tended; legislation is proposed to marginally increase compulsory rest-days; a week's paid holiday is in the process of being introduced; and the trade union ordin- ance is being revised, which, it is hoped, will remove most of the legal impediments to the formation of trade unions, etc.
It does look as if some improvement is, at last, on the
way.
But when this is cast against the background of economic prosperity which the Colony enjoys, and the social problems Hong Kong faces, the snail-like pace of change is unlikely to make much impact. Hong Kong is not only a Colony where the standard of living for workers is comparatively low in relation to other countries with a similar level of economic development, but informed observers agree that its social wage and other social provisions are, in many cases, inferior to even some of those provided by countries which are economically poorer. It must not be forgotten that there are literally thou- sands of small and often overcrowded workplaces, where wages and conditions of employment are poorer. Further, because trade unions are weak and ineffective, workers are totally dependent on change being brought about through government action.
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