representation of the three associations with the government in annual
discussions over general conditions of service. The SCSC, which was
modelled on the National Civil Service Whitley Council in the UK, was to
become the focal point for a formal policy of joint consultation.
provision was also made for joint consultation at departmental level.
Some
While appearing to bind both sides, this agreement was, as England
7 and Rear note, always an unequal treaty.
treaty. Matters that could be raised
in the Council were defined by the government. Further, issues could only
be raised by the unions acting in unison. The latter was a real barrier,
given the conflicting interests of expatriates and Chinese with respect
to housing benefits, overseas travel, localization and pensionable status.
Important divisions also exist between upper grade and lower grade civil
servants with regard to tapering general salary increases, fringe benefits
and retirement age. Representation on the council is weighted in favour
of expatriates and senior civil servants.
1
More directly, agreements reached in the council between the staff
and official sides have to be ratified by the Finance Committee of the
Legislative Council (Legco), the Legislative Council proper, and the
Governor. Legco has been largely composed of local business leaders who
fear the civil service will become a wage leader. The Governor and other
senior government officials recognise this and have been careful to avoid:
alienating this powerful pressure group. The government possesses another
escape clause in the provision that the 1963 agreement involves no derogation
-of its 'responsibility to take such action as the public interest
· may require."
8
...
While matters disputed in the Senior Civil Service Council may be
referred to an Independent Committee of Inquiry, this provision has proved to
. 7.
Joe England and John Rear, Chinese Labour Under British Rule (A study
8.
of labour relations and the law in Hong Kong), Oxford University Press, London 1' 1963 Agreement.
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