TNAG-2673-FCO40-3870-Hong-Kong-defence-issues-Internal-Security-Guide-(ISG)-1993 — Page 362

CONFIDENTIAL

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15

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

(f)

combined with

(a), the imposition of curfew with a view to preventing disruptive elements from intimidating loyal workers either at work or on the way to and from work;

the provision of guards at essential services installations;

the provision of escorts for workers to/from home or collecting centres;

the

provision of protection for families even if such protection is only that afforded by a curfew; and

the provision of benefits for loyal workers.

Legislation

23.

The Labour Relations Ordinance, Cap. 55, provides the machinery for the settlement of labour disputes. It empowers the Governor in Council to order a cooling-off period during which industrial action must be suspended.

24.

However legal provisions by themselves are no guarantee against a stoppage of work. They are efficacious only to the extent that they may deter workers from behaving irresponsibly.

25.

Such measures are not likely to be able to deal effectively with a situation of concentrated or widespread withdrawal of labour. Some of the legislative measures involve practical problems in application. On the positive side, however, such measures are of value in sustaining the morale of loyal workers.

PROBLEMS OTHER DISPUTES

26.

THAN THOSE ARISING FROM LABOUR

The preceding arrangements cover disputes contributing to the security situation.

As the imposition of a curfew may bring industry in affected areas to a standstill for a period of days if violence is not quickly contained, there may be labour problems with little or no bearing on the handling of the emergency which will require the attention of the Labour Department.

CONFIDENTIAL