Editorial | Stronger oversight of Hong Kong’s unions can help them to boost development
Changes to Hong Kong law are set to tighten scrutiny of groups that should not only be protecting members but also providing the public with quality services
Hong Kong’s workforce has a vital role to play in helping the city grow its economy and develop.
This will require the right balance to be struck between furthering business interests and those of employees. Trade unions have a duty to protect the rights of their members. But they must also operate responsibly and lawfully.
Labour groups are set to come under increased scrutiny, with changes to the Trade Unions Ordinance to go before the Legislative Council next month.
They will require unions to keep records and provide officials with a power to search their premises to check documents such as accounts, a register of members and minutes of meetings.
Wider scope will be given to the Registry of Trade Unions to reject applications to register, amalgamate or change the name of such groups.
Unions also will be required to seek approval before receiving funds from outside Hong Kong, mainland China and Macau.
The government said the changes were part of broader moves to align the framework for social organisations with national security laws. But they also are intended to improve the management of unions.