TNAG-1733-FCO40-2446-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 134

a

section 34 of the

registered trade

MR. TAM (in Cantonese) : Sir, under

Trade Unions Ordinance, the funds of

union are not allowed to be applied either directly or

indirectly for any political purpose or to be paid or

on group

transferred to any person in furtherance of any political

this

purpose. In other words, under section, trade unions

their

cannot through the use of funds

participate in political

politicalisation

politicabrating of trade

activities. This is to prevent the politicising of trade

1988,

unions. Under the Trade Union

(Amendment) Bill

restrictions on trade union participating

participating in political

activities have been relaxed.

Henceforth, through secret

ballot

at

the general meeting

or

and after gaining majority

representatives

meeting of

support, the

trade unions can establish an electoral fund or approve

expenses for election activities.

I have just pointed out

that this is only relaxation to a certain degree. By

saying that trade union fund can now be deployed for

political activities, it only means elections to district

boards, Urban

Urban Council, Regional Council and Legislative

Council. There are still restrictions

political activities.

regarding other

I support the amendment Bill presented by the

Administration for the following reasons