The government today (April 17) published the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Gazette. The bill proposes that individuals convicted of national security offenses will be prohibited from serving as trade union officers or as initiators for new union registrations. Violators could face up to three years in prison and a fine of HK$50,000. Additionally, trade unions must declare any foreign funding or donations to the Registrar of Trade Unions, detailing the sources and purposes, and receive approval before acceptance; non-compliance could result in fines of up to HK$200,000.
The bill aims to amend the Trade Unions Ordinance (Chapter 332) to enhance the regulation of trade unions, ensuring national security while promoting their healthy development.
A spokesperson for the Labour Department stated, "The proposed amendments will strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate trade unions, ensuring compliance with the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. At the same time, the amendments respect the rights of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions and will not adversely impact law-abiding unions."
The spokesperson added, "If the bill passes smoothly, the amendment will take effect six months after its publication in the Gazette. During this period, the Labour Department will further publicize and explain the amendments to assist trade unions in understanding and complying with the new regulations."
The bill is scheduled for its first and second readings in the Legislative Council (LegCo) on April 30. The government will collaborate fully with LegCo to review the bill, aiming for its support and passage.
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