TNAG-1051-FCO40-1301-China-s-economic-relationship-with-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 124

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factory building were totally idle and workers had been shifted from one sector

Most (packaging to collating and binding) according to the work available. workers seemed under-employed and a number of cutting and printing machines lay

idle.

Xinhua Electronics Factory

5.

This 2-storey factory assembled radio cassette players under the Xinhua brand name. As a model of modern production techniques it was not impressive but reminiscent of similar static production lines in Hong Kong electronics factories some 25 years ago. Nevertheless, the factory manager claimed that productivity had risen from 200 to 300 sets per day when the enterprise oper ed in December 1980 to a present rate of 1,000 sets per day. Based on Hong Kong designs, the radios were nonetheless nearly all destined for the domestic Chinese market where they retailed at between RMB 2-300 a set.

6.

The factory manager offered the following information on wages and living conditions. The factory employed 530 workers whose average pay was

RMB 100 per month.

Accommodation for a single worker cost 40 cents each month whilst family housing cost about RMB 2. Lunches were available at the factory at a cost of 10 cents per day. In addition to statutory public holidays,

Female workers were workers were entitled to seven days paid holiday per year. granted 56 days paid maternity leave. Workers about to marry, or those wishing to attend a family funeral, were also granted three days paid leave.

7.

MIC expressed some surprise at the generous (even by Shenzhen standards) rates of pay. He also asked why only one shift (of eight hours) was operated, especially given the marked improvement in productivity which had been experienced in the first six months. DTIC further ventured that. increased automation through the introduction of a conveyor belt along the production line would also raise output. The factory manger, however, seemed content with the current productivity and observed, that he was restricted to the one shift by local regulations.

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