TNAG-0695-FCO40-845-Policy-on-salaries-for-civil-service-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 184

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Government to correct injustices in the old system as it affected

the other workers concerned. It does not necessarily indicate any

deterioration in the conditions of service of the shorthand and

audio typists. The Hong Kong Government appear to have acted

quite properly throughout the dispute, and in particular have

gone to great lengths to hear the point of view of the staff

concerned.

3. Mr Stewart will be visiting Hong Kong from 12 to 20 October

and will take the opportunity to discuss this problem with the

Hong Kong Civil Service Department, and with Mrs Cheung as well

if she wishes to see him and there seems to be any advantage in

his doing so. Amongst other points, Mr Stewart will look into the

suggestion made by Mr Hooley that an independant arbitrateur

might be appointed. In the absence of any laid-down procedures,

agreed with the staff side, for the handling of any disputes within

the Hong Kong Civil Service, this is a procedure that has been

resorted to before. It should not be difficult to find a suitable

arbitrateur in the Hong Kong. nat

4.

I attach draft replies to Mr Hooley and Mr Johnson.

30 September 1977

1.E. "Quantrill

W Quantrill

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Hong Kong & General Department K 247

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