4.
WHAT STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHORTHAND AND AUDIO TYPISTS' ASSOCIATION?
We have written to the Hong Kong Government giving some
thoughts on possible areas of agreement which would, hopefully, lead to at least an interim solution. It would not be proper
for me to expand on these suggestions at the present.
5. WHY DO YOU PROPOSE ONLY AN INTERIM SETTLEMENT?
The Hong Kong Government is currently considering ways of introducing full machinery to deal with disputes throughout the public sector. I would expect that if necessary the machinery could be applied to any outstanding issues in this dispute.
6.
WHY HAVE YOU NOT INSISTED ON THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT ARBITRATOR?
We have discussed this possibility with the Hong Kong
Government. They are concerned that to take such a course could prejudice the establishment of new procedures at present under
discussion for settling disputes throughout the public service. I attach great importance to these new procedures, and do not
want to insist on anything that could put them at risk.
7. HAVE YOU SEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF SATA?
Yes. I had a very useful meeting with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Association on 18 January. I have told
them of my intention to try and bring the dispute to a satisfactory conclusion.
8. IS IT TRUE THAT THOSE IN DISPUTE REPRESENT ONLY A VERY SMALL MINORITY OF THE SECRETARIAL STAFF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT?
Yes. Two out of the three unions representing the secretar- ial grades have accepted the Government's proposals, including the new salary scales. Those still in dispute represent only 5% of the total number of staff affected.
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