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CHAPTER
7
INTERNATIONAL
LABOUR AFFAIRS
International
Instruments Setting Out Labour Standards
7.1
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.
7.2
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.
7.3
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
7.4
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'.
7.5
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
7.6
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 People's 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.
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.
The
Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health),
Mr Fred Ting, meeting delegates of the State Administration of
Work Safety, Beijing.
7.7
Participation
in major ILO activities and contacts with other labour administrations
are listed in Figure 7.2.
| Index |
Chapter 1 | Chapter
2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter
4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter
6 | Chapter 7 |
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Figures and Charts |
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