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In response to the request of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Staffs General Association (SGA), Security Bureau, Civil Service Bureau, Fire Services Department (FSD) and SGA held a meeting today (June 6) to exchange views on weekly conditioned working hours of Fire Stream officers.
A Government spokesman said the Administration understood the appeal made by the staff side on reduction of conditioned working hours. The Administration is open to any proposal on reduction of weekly conditioned working hours that may satisfy the three principles of "cost neutrality", "no additional manpower" and "maintaining the same level of service to the public" as stated by the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service. There are otherwise no pre-set restrictions and such proposals would be considered in a fair manner.
The management and staff sides of FSD agree to continue discussion on all feasible proposals and would put forward proposals satisfying the three principles and the relevant suggested timetable as soon as possible. Attendees of the meeting look forward to exchanging views again after 3 months.
Ends/Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:54
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