ENG-1972 — Page 69

EMPLOYMENT

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concession was reviewed in 1971 and subsequently continued for another year with minor changes in conditions. In 1972, it was again reviewed and will continue un- changed for a further year. The scheme will be reviewed again in 1973.

There are no legal restrictions on hours of work for men. Most men employed in industry work between eight and 10 hours a day. Government employees and those in concerns operating on western lines work eight hours. The restrictions on the hours of work for women, which were first introduced in January 1959, have resulted in a decrease in the number of hours worked by men working alongside women in the same concern. By December 31, 1972, a total of 36 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 44,386 men and 47,879 women were working eight hours a day. A rest period of one hour a day is customary throughout industry.

The Employment Ordinance (amendment of part two of the second schedule) Order 1972 which came into force on February 25, 1972 made a minor change in the statutory form to be used by a worker applying to the court for the arrest of an employer believed to be absconding with the intention of evading payment of wages.

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 23 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 authorities. Most of the members of its 89 affiliated unions and of the 10 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 Con- federation of Free Trade Unions.

There are 89 independent unions, some of which continued to make improve- ments in their internal administration and in the services offered to their members.

The legal requirements regarding the registration and control of trade unions are contained in the Trade Unions Ordinance which is administered by the Registrar of Trade Unions. This ordinance, formerly known as the Trade Union Registration Ordinance, was retitled on March 31, 1972 the date on which the Trade Union Reg- istration (Amendment) Ordinance 1971 came into operation.

Of the 335 unions on the register at the end of 1972, 277 were employees' unions with a total declared membership of 222,252, a further 46 were organisations of