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Union Weakness in Hong Kong: Workplace Industrial Relations and the Federation of Trade Unions

Author

Listed:
  • Andy W. Chan
  • Ed Snape

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

This article examines the weakness of Hong Kong unions at the workplace, focusing on the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU). The FTU has adopted a more outward-looking approach to organizing, but some question the FTU's ability to balance the effective representation of workers with its association with the government, raising the question of whether the weakness of Hong Kong unions may be attributable to continued 'industrial pacifism'. The analysis suggests that the weakness of unions at the workplace may in some cases owe something to the policies of the unions, but that in general the causes of union weakness are rather more complex. In particular, management hostility towards unions makes it difficult for them to effectively represent their members, while employee apathy is a significant problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Andy W. Chan & Ed Snape, 2000. "Union Weakness in Hong Kong: Workplace Industrial Relations and the Federation of Trade Unions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 21(2), pages 117-146, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:21:y:2000:i:2:p:117-146
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X00212002
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David E. Guest & Philip Dewe, 1991. "Company or Trade Union: Which Wins Workers' Allegiance? A Study of Commitment in the UK Electronics Industry," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 29(1), pages 75-96, March.
    2. Ed Snape & Andy W. Chan, 1997. "Whither Hong Kong's Unions: Autonomous Trade Unionism or Classic Dualism?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(1), pages 39-63, March.
    3. Derek C. Jones, 1995. "Successor Unions in Transitional Economies: Evidence from St. Petersburg," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 49(1), pages 39-57, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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