Annual Report 2003
Chapter 7
International
Labour Affairs
International Instruments Setting Out Labour Standards
International Labour Conventions set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) prescribe standards for member states. Other international instruments touching on labour standards, albeit to a much smaller extent, include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
A comprehensive set of labour legislation and administrative measures are in place in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to enable the Government to implement internationally accepted standards. Through improvements to labour legislation and administrative measures, the HKSAR maintains a level of labour standards broadly equivalent to those of neighbouring countries with similar economic development as well as social and cultural backgrounds.
In accordance with the Basic Law, the provisions of the International Labour Conventions as applied to Hong Kong before the return of sovereignty shall remain in force and shall be implemented through the laws of the HKSAR. As at the end of 2003, the HKSAR applied 41 International Labour Conventions, with or without modification. (Figure 7.1)
Participation in the Activities of the ILO
The HKSAR may participate in the activities of the ILO, either as a member of the delegation of the People's Republic of China or, for activities which are not limited to states, on its own using the name 'Hong Kong, China'.
In 2003, apart from attending the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, representatives from the HKSAR also took part in an ILO regional meeting held in Bangkok.
Contacts with Other Labour Administrations
In March 2003, the Commissioner for Labour led a delegation to visit the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, and the provincial labour administration in Dalian. The Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Labour Administration) also headed a study mission to Beijing and Shanghai in November. Apart from strengthening mutual cooperation, these visits provided a forum for the department to exchange views and experience with our mainland counterparts on various labour issues.
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The Executive Director for Standards and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of the ILO, Mr Kari Tapiola (middle in the front row), meeting Members of the Labour Advisory Board during his visit to the HKSAR. |
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The Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Fred Ting, meeting delegates of the State Administration of Work Safety, Beijing. |
Participation in major ILO activities and contacts with other labour administrations are listed in Figure 7.2.