CB(1)178/96-97(01)

(Summary Translation)

To: Members of the LegCo Panel on Manpower

From: Mr CHAN Wing-chan, Legislative Councillor

Subj.: Enquiry on the employment situation of workers engaging in security and guarding services since the enactment of the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance

Since the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance came into effect on 1 June, 1996, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (HKFTU) and I have received many complaints from elderly watchmen, who alleged that many employers have taken advantage of the Ordinance to sack lawfully those who are at age 65 or above. Such action is unreasonable, because the Government has indicated that a grace period of five years in maximum would be allowed to those who currently possessed watchman’s permits.

Though this is the reality, both the HKFTU and I found it a heavy blow to workers at the grassroots level. Given the absence of retirement protection for these workers, and coupled with the fact that people engaged in this profession are elderly persons, such lawful "dismissal" is indeed devastating to them.

I personally find that very little has been done by the Government in the following aspects:

1. Labour Department’s Local Employment Services and Job Matching Programme should provide adequate assistance to the victims mentioned above. What assistance has been provided by the Labour Department since the Ordinance came into effect on 1st June this year?
2. Pursuant to item (a), how many cases relating to the problem has been received by the Labour Department?
3. Has any follow-up action been taken by the Labour Department for such cases?

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