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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, on the container terminal labour dispute at a photo exhibition of the homeless organised by the Society for Community Organisation today (April 17):
Reporter: (About the escalated industrial action today.)
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I appeal to all the striking workers and the unions to keep cool. It is important to keep rational dialogue going. In fact, the dialogue is proceeding in the right direction with the contractors making an improved offer on the table. In fact, yesterday's discussion was very good indeed to my mind. They were talking about making improved packages on the table. I would urge everybody to approach the negotiation sincerely, pragmatically, and also it is important for them to continue the dialogue. It is important. It is only through dialogue that you can reach a consensus at the end of the day.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:10
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