G.F. 316
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Page No. 6 of 9 pages
Labour Affairs
18.
The communist controlled Federation of Trade Unions (FTU)
has protested to the Chief Secretary in sharp terms over the refusal to allow the use of the City Hall for a concert. A communist union, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Spinning, Weaving and Dyeing Trade Workers General Union has lodged a similar protest over a refusal in respect of Tsuen Wan Town Hall, while a third communist body, a publishing firm has also protested against not being allowed to hold an exhibition of its wares in the City Hall. Communist organisations are not excluded entirely from these venues but their usage is restricted.
19.
The FTU again edged into the political arena by issuing a statement condemning the Government for its proposal for a limited
relaxation of rent controls. This criticism was however one of the
many such expressions which any move in this field always attracts.
20.
In an effort to improve its public image, the FTU has been directed by the NCNA to establish a group to direct FTU relief efforts
in natural disasters.
21.
In the non-communist labour field, more pay claims have been made by unions, including a Mass Transit Railway staff union with a membership of 400, which also sought recognition by management. A High Court injunction banning a poster campaign on railway premises attracted criticism from a wide range of other unions including the FTU., the pro-KMT Trade Unions Council and the Joint Committee on Labour
Organisations. However a settlement is now expected.
K.M.T.
22.
The local KIT organisation held low level celebrations to mark "Enslaved Nations Week", with emphasis, not unexpectedly, on the absence of human rights in China. It is preparing to mark the Double Tenth on a larger scale than in the past, as it is the 70th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution and is likely to be observed by communist and other organisations as well.
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