Trade Union Regulatory Regime to be improved
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To better fulfil the duty of safeguarding national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), the Government proposes to amend the TUO to strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions over the supervision and regulation of trade unions and to improve the trade union regulatory regime. The proposed amendments address the current situation of local trade unions, complement the NSL and the SNSO, and protect employees' right and freedom to form and join trade unions pursuant to the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and relevant international conventions. The major proposed amendments are set out in the above paper of the LegCo Panel on Manpower.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "Apart from enhancing the mechanism for safeguarding national security, the proposed amendments will also improve the trade union regulatory regime and promote the healthy development of trade unions, while giving due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions. I look forward to the LegCo's support for the proposed amendments."
The Labour Department consulted the Labour Advisory Board on the major proposed amendments on January 22 this year, and members expressed support at the meeting. The Government will consult the LegCo Panel on Manpower on February 24 and plans to introduce the amendment bill to the LegCo in April 2025.
Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:08
Issued at HKT 17:08
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