19.
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Redacted under FOI exemptions 23 or 24
Ir an effort to strengthen its campaign for workers' rights and
benefits, the communist controlled Federation of Trade Unions has amended ita
constitution so as to allow for the appointment of labour and legal adviser?.
As part of the same policy, the Federation has applied to the Government for
grant of land for a workers' holiday camp.
SOCIAL PRESSURE GROUPS
20.
The Society for Community Organisation (SoCo) has been giving advice
to dissatisfied hawkers and has proposed the formation of a joint committee to
represent hawkers from seven districts. This could lead to more concerted protest
action by hawkers, particularly when a new control scheme is started in Kowloor
later this year. SoCo has also been advising residents of homes for the aged who
have been protesting against a proposed increase in charges.
21.
Walter Easey of the London based Hong
Yong Research Project has sent Urban Counsellor Mrs. Elsie Elliott an account
of interviews he has had with two members of the British organisation, the
Joint Council for the welfare of Immigrants. The two members were critical of
proposed amendments to the British Immigration Act, claiming that they would
seriously affect the status of Hong Kong British citizens. Mrs. Elliott has
passed a copy of the report to the Director of SoCo but so far neither has
commented. The issue may provide pressure groups with an emotive cause.
KMT
22.
The KMT has come up with another scheme to hinder economic development
in China (para 19, May 1980 Report). The plan this time is that KMT trade unions
in the garment manufacturing industry should report to the Hong Kong authorities
any garments exported from China bearing "Made in Hong Kong" labels. The union
intends to keep an unidentified trade union organisation in the UK informed of the
situation.
23.
The local branch of the KMT is believed to be behind the recent
formation of a "Wanderers Association" whose function, according to a press report, is to liaise with, and help to find work for, illegal immigrants from China.
During the month seven members of the Association submitted a petition to
Government House and Unofficial Members, seeking the abolition of the Government's
repatriation policy and the same treatment for illegal immigrants from China
as for refugees from Vietnam. The leader of the petitioners has acted on covert
KT instructions in staging protests in the past.
/ para 24.
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