Founders of new trade unions in Hong Kong to sign declaration pledging not to threaten national security
- New declaration part of authorities bid to step up surveillance on the city’s labour groups
- Former union leader concerned new rules will lead to another wave of organisations disbanding
Hongkongers planning to set up trade unions will be required to sign a declaration pledging they will not threaten national security as authorities step up surveillance of labour groups, many of which have sided with the opposition camp in the past.
Union founders would need to confirm the objectives of their groups are lawful and the bodies will not engage in any activities that could endanger national security or contravene any other law, the government said on Friday.
Currently, a new organisation must apply to the Registrar of Trade Unions within 30 days of establishment. The application should be signed by not less than seven voting members who must be Hong Kong residents engaged or employed in the industry or occupation with which the group is directly concerned.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said the new declaration form was not applicable to registered trade unions, but they had to comply with the laws and their constitutions.
Mung Siu-tat, who was chief executive of the Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU) before it disbanded, expressed concern the new rule would lead to another wave of organisations folding over fears of vague “red lines” under the national security law, akin to the wave of resignations among district councillors ahead of the implementation of a new oath-taking rule.
