There
13. The present state of labour relations in Hong Kong is characterized by a multiplicity of small ineffective unions, is little collective bargaining as such, though consultation does
take place. In his interim report Professor Turner found that there were no social, economic or labour marked reasons why an effective labour movement should not emerge; nor were there any cultural or serious legal obstacles, But the existing trade union organization is unwilling or unable to take up that rêle. His final report should explain why this is so, and recommend the
measures to rectify the position. No decision on whether the final report is to be published can be taken until it has been studied.
LABOUR CONDITIONS
In
14. In recent years, the Hong Kong Government have been carrying out an extensive programme to improve labour conditions, particular, the Hong Kong Government have made improvements in respect of ten ILO Conventions in two years and have plans to extend this by a further six this year. Among other improvements introduced in the past two years, provision has been made for compulsory rest days, paid annual. leave and improved sickness and severance payments. Safety legislation has been extended. Overtime for young people has been progressively abolished. The public assistance scheme has been improved and a recent Green Paper on social welfare includes proposals for a voluntary contributory sickness, injury and death benefit scheme, In addition, compulsory and free education up to the age of 15 will help put an end to child employment in all sectors of the economy (it is already illegal in the industrial sector, and will become so in other sectors by 1980).
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