TNAG-0917-FCO40-1128-Policy-on-salaries-and-pensions-for-civil-servants-in-Hong-K-1979 — Page 19

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5. IN VIEW OF THE ASSOCIATION'S STAND, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED, WITH VERY CONSIDERABLE RELUCTANCE, TO INFORM 28 DISPENSERS WHO

HAVE NOT BEEN PERFORMING THEIR USUAL DUTIES THAT THEY WILL BE SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY UNDER CSR 611 AS FROM MIDNIGHT 29/30

NOVEMBER IF THEY REFUSE TO RESUME THEIR USUAL DUTIES.

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HOWEVER IF ANY TIME AFTER THEIR SUSPENSION, THEY DECIDE TO RESUME NORMAL WORKING, THEY WILL BE REINSTATED WITH NO LOSS OF SENIORITY OR PENSION RIGHTS.

6. I SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT EACH OF THE 28 OFFICERS HAS BEEN INTERVIEWED PERSONALLY BY A SENIOR OFFICER WHO HAS EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO THEM FULLY. THEY HAVE ALSO ALL RECEIVED A FINAL

WARNING LETTER.

7. I AM SATISFIED THAT WE HAVE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO PERSUADE THE DISPENSERS TO CALL OFF THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION. THIS WILL BE FULLY EXPLAINED IN ANY PUBLICITY MATERIAL TO BE ISSUED ANNOUNCING GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO SUSPEND THE

DISPENSERS CONCERNED.

8. IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHETHER THE DISPENSERS WILL CONTEST OUR ACTION IN THE COURTS. I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF DEVELOPMENTS.

CATER

FILES: HK GD

MR MURRAY

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CONFIDENTIAL