TNAG-0695-FCO40-845-Policy-on-salaries-for-civil-service-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 75

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J A Hargreaves Esq International Department

TUC

Congress House

Gt Russell Street London WC1B 3LS

HKK 430/

15 November 1977

No las

عة

7

357

HONG KONG : GOVERNMENT SHORTHAND-AUDIO TYPISTS ASSOCIATION

I must apologise for the delay in replying to your letter of 3 October. The Head of Hong Kong and General Department in the Office has been visiting Hong Kong and had discussions about this dispute. I have therefore held up my reply to include the latest developments.

The dispute stems from proposals put forward by the Hong Kong Government in 1976 for the re-organisation of secretarial and typing services. These proposals originated with a committee, which included three members of the secretarial classs Discontent with the 1976

proposals was exacerbated by retrospective opposition from the typists to the introduction in 1971 of equal pay for women. This action in 1971 resulted in a number of female government employees receiving substantial pay rises to bring them into line with their male colleagues. Because the typists grade had no separate, higher male grade they did not benefit from the change.

When the shorthand and audio typists protested about the 1976 proposals the Civil Service Department in Hong Kong agreed to further discussions prior to the proposals being put into effect. Between October 1976 and July 1977 10 meetings were held lasting in total nearly 40 hours. Despite this intensive consultation no progress was made and on 22 July the Association broke off discussions. In addition to the meetings, the Association presented their case in writing on several . occasions and have received detailed replies on all points.

Since 22 July the Association has concentrated on seeking support for their case in Britain. They have sent petitions to HM The Queen, the Prime Minister, MPs, Civil Service Unions and women's associations, amongst others. At present all concerned in the dispute appear to be working normally. A work-to-rule introduced in March attracted little support and was called off in July.

(19)

/During his

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