ENG-1954 — Page 47

OCCUPATIONS, WAGES AND LABOUR ORGANIZATION

raided by the police for gambling on their premises. The T.U.C. is affiliated to the International Confedera- tion of Free Trade Unions (I.C.F.T.U.) but little is done to propagate the aims of this organization and few members of the affiliated unions have any idea of the objects for which it stands.

The left wing Federation of Trade Unions (F.T.U.) faithfully follows the policies of the Central People's Government. The F.T.U. has recently gained a certain amount of support by its concentration on the provision of welfare benefits not only for the members of its affiliated unions but for non-members as well, a policy which is prompted by political motives. The affiliated unions manipulate their rules and their finances in support of the policy of the F.T.U. and while these unions are run more effectively than the T.U.C. unions, this is done in their own political interests rather than from any interest in genuine trade unionism.

While the Registration Branch continued to ad- minister the Trade Union Ordinance until a separate Registry of Trade Unions Department was set up in December, 1954, the Trade Union Section of the Labour Department concentrated on advising trade unions on the drafting of rules, the keeping of accounts and the general administration of their affairs. Advice and education in trade union principles were, as in the past, considered the most effective means of combatting abuses and raising standards.

During the year classes in accountancy for trade unions were given both in Hong Kong and Kowloon. Each class consisted of four 1 hour lectures and representatives of 24 unions attended. The Trade

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