TNAG-0658-FCO40-807-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-1977 — Page 23

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From the various statements made by the Union to the Press and elsewhere, it would seem that they are seeking an absolute job security, not just within the Civil Service as a whole but also within the particular area of education in which their members are presently working. They claim also that the Government should 'negotiate' with them in the sense of obtaining their prior agreement for any measure affecting the future of the Government primary sector and the careers of their members. This claim goes beyond the normal consultative process, which the Government has already provided for and which it is prepared to continue.

I might mention that the scheme of redeployment has already elicited a good response from Government primary school teachers. More than 2,000 applications have so far been received for jobs in other parts of the Education Depart- ment or in other civil service departments.

I suggest that you should reply to the Union on the lines of the enclosed draft letter.

Yours sincerely

N6 Bhipm

(N.C.L. Shipman)

for Secretary for Social Services