TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 41

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to report malpractices by the management,

law

enforcement is largely effective. The extensive use

of collective agreements is also an effective instrument guaranteeing compliance with at least the minimum requirements of the law.

8.15

The Ministry of Labour officials believe that managements of large industrial undertakings are generally law-abiding and they are, therefore, not the target for regular inspections. On the whole, labour inspection assumes a low profile; there are only 27 labour inspectors on the Labour Department establishment and the actual strength at the time of our visit was 17. Efforts at enforcement of labour legislation are directed towards small and non- unionised establishments in the industrial sector and at those which are the subject of complaint. 1976 infringements of the law related to illegal employment of non-citizens, maintenance of register of employees, overtime pay, annual leave, public holidays, rest days and the illegal employment of children and young persons. 188 prosecutions were instituted and the fines totalled S$110,720 (about HK$220,000).

In

Thailand

8.16 Thai labour legislation applies to industrial, commercial (including services) and transportation activities, but such legislation generally excludes agriculture, fisheries and forestry which together account for about 80% of the country's economic activities. Within the limited scope of application, industrial operations are the target for enforcement. Yet law enforcement is generally ineffective due to

/(a).....

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