guild at present has its own rules and objects, both of which are usually very limited. The Trade Union and Trade Disputes Bill will distinguish between trade unions and other types of voluntary associations. Those associations which by the nature of their constitution and objects qualify for registration as trade unions will acquire a legal status as registered trade unions. There is provision in the Bill for amalgamation of registered trade unions within the same trade or industry and every encouragement will be given to proposals for such amalgama- tion. The enactment of this Bill should considerably assist the consolidation of the growing trade union movement and should help to counteract the present tendency towards an unnecessary multiplication of small unions.
The year has seen a marked increase in the activities of labour organisations generally, particularly in the sphere of negotiations on questions of wages and working conditions. Many of the unions have shown great willingness to explore every means of settling their disputes round the conference table and have displayed a grasp of the principles of collective bargaining which augurs well for the future. Unfortunately the average working man is not yet prepared to take much interest in union affairs except in moments of crisis and the consequence is that the management of some unions tends to be concentrated in a few persons who do not always exhibit that sense of responsibility which one would expect to find in the holders of executive positions. This is a fault which no doubt time and experience will correct.
The following list gives the names, types and approximate membership of a few of the more important unions:-
Hong Kong Seamen's Union (General Seamen's Union) 5,000 members Chinese Engineers' Institute (Craft Union)
6,000
59
Hong Kong Tramway Employees Association (Industrial
Union)
1,400
"
Motor Drivers' Guild
5,000
Taikoo Dockyard Workers' Guild (semi-skilled and
unskilled workers)
3,824
27
Naval Dockyard Workers'
Guild (semi-skilled and
unskilled workers)
1,192
55
Foreign Labour Union (Hotel and Restaurant boys) Weavers' Guild (Men and Women)
3,500
12
2,630
12
Female Knitters' Association (Women Weavers)
900
15
The Metal Workers Sisters' Association (Women workers
in chain & battery making, etc.)
160
19
The Musicians' Union (mainly Filipinos)
120
The Rubber Factory Employees' Union (including 840
women)
1,200
An interesting development is the recent formation of a Hong Kong Employers' Federation, the membership of which will be open to both European and Chinese firms.
Labour Advisory Board.
In labour matters generally and particularly with regard to legislative proposals affecting labour, the Government is assisted
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