“STUPID STRIKES”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 46, 3 December 1938, Page 7

“STUPID STRIKES”

CONDEMNED BY MR SEMPLE. AGAINST ALL INTERESTS. A DISGRUNTLED MINORITY. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. “It is time disgruntled minorities in trades unions woke up and realised that in fomenting stupid, comic -/ opera strikes over trifles they are enemies to themselves, to their unions, and to their country.” These were the words of the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) to-day, when he referred to the appeal being made by the Government for the co-operation of all sections of the community in the effort to increase production. The spasmodic strikes that had been experienced in the country did not come from tlif» majority of members of unions, 90 per cent, of whom were loyal *to their country and to their calling, said the Minister. The strikes ovei> trifles came from a disgruntled minority which wanted most for the least effort. Such an attitude could not, and would not be tolerated by the Government that was doing its job to help New Zealand.

“I do not want my words to be interpreted as an attack on trade unionism,’’ said Mr Semple. “I am not indicating unionism nor attacking loyal workers, who fortunately are in the majority. I am seeking, as one who has been through the mill and suffered for his principles, to give some advice to those short-sighted individuals who cannot see that by the attitude which they adopt they are damaging unionism and destroying their own rights. It may he said by my critics that the author of these words at one time took part in strikes himself. My record will stand investigation and it will show that big issues were at stake when I was engaged in strikes. In those days unionism was outlawed, and so were the men' who joined unions. To-day conditions have been revolutionised. Unionism has been recognised and has been given its rightful place in society. A Government that is friendly to the workers is in power. It will do its best to improve: .their standard of living, but it also wants the workers to play the game.”