written
raising strong objections to Government's intention to import more labour.
Thus it is important for plans to be made to minimise the resistance. For this purpose Government needs a convincing case to put to the unions, as well as to build into the eventual scheme a number of safeguards that would give local workers the assurance of an adequate degree of protection.
17
The
case to be put to the unions would have to be based on the economic arguments outlined in paragraphs 8 to 13 above i.e. that the achievement of economic growth is in the wider public interest. The strict control of numbers involved and the tight conditions under which employers can import labour would be stressed.
18
In recent months labour sentiment has focused on the existence of а considerable number of middle-aged, relatively unskilled workers (e.g. those in garment manufacturing). They are likely to find themselves in a vulnerable position when faced with competition from imported workers and from workers in Guangdong. It will clearly be necessary for Government to consider whether some form of re-training should be provided.
Proposal to extend the scheme for importing craftsmen and supervisors
19
It
that
technicians,
is proposed
the scheme for importing technicians, craftsmen and supervisors should continue with a new quota of 2,700 workers. Whilst there has been an across the board reduction in vacancies since the latter part of 1989, the absolute number of vacancies is still high, reflecting a continuing excess of demand over supply in the labour market. Although the scheme has provided some relief to those sectors suffering from acute shortages, the excess demand has persisted and further relief is necessary. But in order to protect the interests of local workers and because only about 2 700 workers have been approved under the current scheme, the new quota should be 2 700 workers. Any unused quota under the current scheme will lapse. However, an examination of the way the been administered suggests that certain improvements should be made in both admission criteria and procedure. is discussed in paragraph 24 below.
scheme has
This
Proposal to create a scheme for importing experienced operatives
20
It is proposed that a scheme for importing experienced operatives be established. According to the latest statistics, the vacancy ratio between technicians/craftsmen and operatives
Given the new quota of 2,700
2,700 workers for technicians/craftsmen, the quota for operatives would be 10 000
was
1:3.7.
workers.
C
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