People convicted of national security offences found to be holding office in a trade union could be sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined HK$50,000 (US$6,440) under proposed legal amendments gazetted by the Hong Kong government on Thursday.
Authorities can also reject trade union applications and mergers if there are national security concerns and ban those convicted of national security offences from registering new unions, according to the proposed changes to the Trade Unions Ordinance, expected to take effect in October.
A government spokesman announced on Thursday that the changes aimed to strengthen the regulation of such labour organisations and to safeguard national security and promote the development of unions, adding that the bill would be introduced to the Legislative Council later this month.
“At the same time, the amendments give due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions, and will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions,” the spokesman said.
According to the proposals, the Registrar of Trade Unions can reject registration for a new trade union or the merging of existing ones “if it is necessary for safeguarding national security”.
The registrar would also have the power to ban anyone convicted of a national security offence from holding office in a trade union, or signing any applications for the registration of one. Those found contravening this new requirement could be sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined HK$50,000.
Union officers would be required to make an application to the registrar if any “external force” offered to make a donation, and refrain from accepting the donation before the registrar’s approval.