ENG-1975 — Page 70

EMPLOYMENT

37

hours, but usually not less than seven hours a day. Restrictions on the hours of work for women and young persons in industry have resulted in a decrease in the number of hours worked by men employed alongside women and young people in the same

concern.

The Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 1975, which came into effect on February 7, restores the original intention that an employer or employee should have the right to claim liquidated damages of up to a month's wages for termination of employment in breach of the Employment Ordinance.

Trade Unions

With the exception of a small neutral and independent segment, most employees' 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. Due to political differences, 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 is a left-wing organisation. Most of the members of its 67 affiliated unions are concentrated in shipyards, textile mills and public utilities. A further 29 unions, nominally independent, are friendly towards the federation and participate in its activities. The Hong Kong and Kowloon Trades Union Council has right-wing sympathies. Most of the members of its 84 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.

There are 111 independent unions, some of which continue 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 specified in the Trade Unions Ordinance which is administered by the Registrar of Trade Unions.

Of the 356 unions on the register at the end of the year, 300 were employees' unions with a total declared membership of 317,743; a further 44 were organisations of merchants or employers with a declared membership of 4,879; and 12 were mixed organisations with a total declared membership of 6,007.

Labour Administration and Services

The Labour Department now has an establishment of 740 to provide services which continued to expand during the year. The branch offices in the urban areas and the New Territories, all within easy access to the public, continued to play a significant role in dealing promptly with labour matters.

The Commissioner for Labour is the principal adviser to the government on labour matters. He is also the Commissioner of Mines.

Labour legislation is initiated in the Labour Department which also ensures that Hong Kong's obligations under international labour conventions are observed. The