TNAG-0785-FCO40-989-Study-of-labour-relations-in-Hong-Kong-by-Professor-H-A-Turn-1978 — Page 171

directly with their immediate workmates.

more systematic.

The new structure made comparison

In turn, this has focused attention on discernable

disparaties in prospects between similar occupations in different departments.

A

In some departments, such as the Post Office and Fire Services, prospects

are so limited that promotion could only be achieved after transfer elsewhere.

Organisation of unions has also been inspired by the government's

unilateral decision to make seniority a low priority (after merit and

potential) in promotion. This created widespread unrest in the service,

especially amongst Chinese, who saw merit criteria such as overseas experience

as loading the dice in favour of expatriates. The government's localisation

policy extends to explicit favouritism to Chinese in promotion. Many union

officials have labelled the whole localisation programme as fictional.

As a proportion

In absolute terms, expatriate employment continues to grow.

of the total workforce it has remained static at about 2.5%. This understates

the situation- since expatriates occupy 69% of the top directorate posts and

predominate in the crucial areas of administration, staff relations, trade

and Industry, housing and labour, which offer higher status; conditions and

prospects. While the government argues expatriates are now only engaged on

a three year contract basis, this doesn't apply to the police force, ICAC

or administration, where the expatriate numbers are stagnant or even increasing.

Overall, 50% of expatriates remain on pensionable teras. Further, it might.

be argued that contract terms just represent pragmatism on the government's

It is apparent that few British, Australian or other overseas young

professionals would-see-colonial service as a life career. They are attracted

by work and a 25% gratuity in addition to their base salary. Local Chinese,

who are all on pensionable terms, see the latter as overgenerous. Chinese

union officials have argued that expatriates have no difficulty in renewing

their contract, while those remaining on pensionable terms may extend their

part.

•

career after retirement age more easily and on better terms than locals.

pervading 'British Club' atmosphere is meeting increased hostility on the

The