INDEPENDENT trade unionists are discussing co-operation in the upcoming functional constituency elections to avert a split in the liberal vote.
The independent Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU) and its subsidiary Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions met for the first time last night to discuss co-operation.
The CTU, which is headed by former legislator Lau Chin-shek and enjoys close ties with the Democratic Party, intended to join the Democrats in putting up candidates for all nine functional constituency seats created by Governor Chris Patten's political reforms.
The federation's plan to take part in the elections is seen as a threat to the CTU and the Democrats.
Federation chairman Lee Kai-ming is eyeing the two labour sector seats and the federation also intends to nominate contenders for three to four other seats.
Mr Lau said last night that he wanted the CTU to mediate between the party and the federation.