ENG-1971 — Page 94

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EMPLOYMENT

alongside women in the same concern. By December 1, 1971, 39 cotton spinning and silk weaving mills had introduced a system of three eight-hour daily shifts. Cotton weaving mills were on either two or three shifts, and it was estimated that 46,767 men and 51,451 women were working eight hours a day. A rest period of one hour a day is customary throughout industry.

The Industrial Employment (Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance) Ordinance provides for six annual holidays, generally with pay, to be given to workers in industrial establishments and for sickness allowance up to 12 days a year on half pay.

Under the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations 1970, which came into force on March 1, 1971, children under the age of 14 are prohibited from working in licensed premises. The regula- tions also prohibit the employment of girls under the age of 18 on licensed premises between 8.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.

The Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 1971, came into opera- tion on August 6. It simplifies certain provisions relating to the notice required to terminate a contract of employment. It also re- moves a previous ambiguity by making clear that an employer may deduct payment in lieu of notice to which he is entitled from sums payable to an employee on termination of contract of employment.

TRADE UNIONS

With the exception of a small neutral and independent segment, most workers' unions are either affiliated to, or associated with, one of two local federations which are registered as societies and bear allegiance to opposing political groups. Divided politically and further separated by differences in dialect, the number of unions has grown beyond practical needs and divergent loyalties have prevented those with common interests from amalgamating into effective organisations.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions supports China. Most of the members of its 66 affiliated unions are concentrated in shipyards, textile mills, and public utilities. A further 21 unions, nominally independent, are friendly towards the federation and participate in its activities. The Hong Kong and Kowloon Trades Union Council, sympathises with the policies of the Taiwan author- ities. Most of the members of its 91 affiliated unions and of the nine nominally independent unions which generally support the Trades Union Council, are employed in the catering and building trades. The Trades Union Council is affiliated to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.