INDUSTRIAL PEACE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 80, 14 January 1928, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL PEACE

COKFERENGE IN LONDON. EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS MEET MANY PROBLEMS TO FACE. ' (Per Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, January 12. The employers and the trade unionists met at Burlington House . An official statement says that bir Alfred Mond was elected chairman. Me pointed out that the employers did not represent organisations, but were acting in an individual capacity, Ihev realised the aspirations and positions ot their co-partners in industry, working in the factory, railway, and shop. They did not desire to destroy the trade unions. Outlining the problems, he said it was essential to examine the better organisation of industries by amalgamation, nationalisation, and introduction of new processes, and technical and administrative methods, involving the pensioning of displaced workers, and also to improve the workers status and security and abolish the conventional idea that the factory hand was less important than the office worker. , . Social questions requiring consideration included housing, health, and unemployment insurance schemes, and industrial education, and also the effect of taxation methods to - ensure the workers' interest in industrial prosperity, apart from wages, and the creation of a standing committee for periodical consultation on industrial matters. Such an investigation would be prolonged. The problems though complex did not represent insuperable difficulties. They could not expect to create a new heaven on earth. If they ensured freedom from industrial disputes and commonsense, humane treatment of problems, they would place Britain, which was always the leader in such matters, in the forefront: Sir Alfred Mond added that the employers formed a committee to facilitate the work, with himself as chairman, including Lords Londonderry, Ashfield'. and Weir, also the Hon. Vernon Willey. "' . Mr Ben Turner, replying, pointed out that neither side was able to implement proposals, but the Trades Union Congress claimed a certain moral authority. It' could convene national congresses to which proposals could be The ' Trades" Union Congress would appoint a committee to meet the employers. A general discussion followed, after which the conference adjourned. An unofficial report states Jthat both sides are certain that beneficial results will be the outcome of the -'-oceedings. which were characterised by frankness, goodwill, and harmony. Mr Cook struck the only jarring note m an impassioned sneech, during which he shouted and 1 thumped the table. The conference listened quietly, and ignored his outburst, except one employer, and Mr Cook came out from the conference shouting: "The whole thing is an absolute farce. I declared that co-operation and goodwill are impossible while the workers are victimised." Mr Citrine deprecates separate statements regarding the, conference, and denies Mr Cook's allegation that the trades unionists disgracefully attacked him.