Page 52 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

Work on unemployment consisted of attempts to making govern-
ment and the people aware of the problem of helping unemployed
workers make full use of public assistance. The programme included
exhibitions, surveys on unemployment and counselling. This year,

the emphasis will be in starting research and lobbying for a social
security system, including unemployment and old-age benefits. This
is a difficult goal for the next 3 years.

To influence labour legislation has always been a major
concern. Last year, the only completed major effort dealt with the
Industrial Relations Bill. This bill spelt out the nature and form

of government's role in industrial relations. Six of our proposed
amendments were incorporated into the ordinance. Other forthcoming
lobbying has to do with industrial accident compensation.

Other programmes included dispute counselling and vocational
guidence for primary and vocational school leavers.

EDUCATION CONCERN

In 1975 no funds were given for implementation of the 1974
White Paper on Education, which would provide three years of

subsidized middle schooling for all. The Council therefore made a
presentation to the Governor, seeking immediate implementation.
The Education Department challenged our figures and evidence, which
led to open debate on the issue. Now the Education Department has

been allotted funds. The White Paper recommendations will be
implemented beginning in September 19769 making the final target

date of form 1-3 seats for all primary 6 leavers September 1978
(one year ahead of the original target date set out in the White
Paper). The Council's effort has, we think, contributed to this
result.