ENG-1959 — Page 60

40

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

system, which would take some time to bring into force because of shortage of labour. A small group among the 250 workers in this factory demanded an earlier introduction of the new system and a general improvement in conditions of employment. The management agreed to change to three shifts as soon as possible, but rejected the other demands. The workers then staged a strike on the morning of 12th August. This was followed that evening by the management's declaration of a lockout and the dismissal of 10 strike leaders, all of whom were members of the Regional Committee (in the China Dyeing Works) of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Cotton Spinning, Weaving, Printing and Dyeing Trade Workers' General Union. After discussions between the manage- ment and the workers, work was resumed on 17th August. 1,250 man-days were lost in this dispute.

South China Textile Limited (Spinning Branch). The manage- ment introduced three-shift working on 11th August, accompanied by an adjustment of piece rates necessitated by the shorter working hours per shift. The revision of rates was understood to have caused no material change in the workers' earnings, but the workers expressed dissatisfaction at the new rates and demanded a more favourable re-adjustment. While the management was considering these demands, some workers staged, short stoppages of work on 15th August, which two days later, developed into a strike of the whole factory. The management offered to negotiate a settlement with the strike leaders but the workers' representa- tives refused to have talks with them. In view of this refusal, the management announced the discharge of all workers and asked for their registration for re-employment on the evening of 17th August. A majority of the workers subsequently registered for continued service with the factory which reopened on 19th August. 1,800 man-days were lost in this dispute.

Fang Brothers Company Limited. A dispute between the man- agement and the 120 workers of this weaving factory over the hoisting of a flag by workers on the factory premises led to a general stoppage of work in the factory on the 11th and 12th October, causing a loss of 120 man-days. The workers returned to work in the evening of 12th October following a meeting between management and workers' representatives at which both parties agreed that no wages would be paid for the period of

Page 60Page 61