The fact that the Urban Council is considering privatisation of its two abattoirs is already public knowledge. Although there has been very little public reaction so far, it is likely that there might be some concern on the implications of privatisation on the price of fresh meat if the scheme proceeds ahead. The public might see the adoption of the Ng Fung Hong proposals as a sign of the Government favouring the Hong and giving the latter a monopoly on the meat trades. Some might speculate that there had been pressure from China. Some might also see the exercise as yet another Government attempt to reduce the size of the civil service in the run-up to 1997 while others might read it as a sign of the Government withdrawing from its existing commitments.
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There have been complaints about the environmental nuisances caused by the Kennedy Town Abattoir to residents in the area. The Central and Western District Board has recently requested the relocation of the Kennedy Town Abattoir. It is expected that the District Board will keep up
will keep up the pressure. However, for operational reasons, there is no possibility of relocating the Kennedy Town Abattoir out of the district whether the abattoir is privatised or not. The most offending component is the cremator and relocating this elsewhere is under serious consideration.
Staff reaction
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The privatisation exercise may have adverse effects on the morale of the civil service. Reaction from staff involved is very likely to be unfavourable towards the redundancy proposals. If they were not given a reasonable deal, they might turn militant and take a hard line towards the Urban Services Department and
Department and the Urban Council and threaten industrial action. If a strike actually resulted, there would be considerable public disquiet and criticism against the
authorities.
Publicity and staff relations
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The whole exercise requires very astute handling and it would be necessary for the Secretary for the Municipal Services' Abattoir Programme Steering Group (of which the Director of Urban Services is a member) to co-ordinate and monitor the action, paying special attention to publicity and staff relations to ensure that the proposals win public support on their own merits. There will be regular consultation with all staff working in the two abattoirs to dispel fear, misunderstanding, rumour
rumour and speculation and to reassure them that every
effort will be made by the management to take care of their interests.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.