RUNNING THE RAILWAYS

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 49, 28 February 1927, Page 16

RUNNING THE RAILWAYS

UNIONISM AND PIN-PRICKING

PLAIN TALK BY PREMIER.

LESSONS FROM ABROAD. (Br Telegraph—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. The value of close co-operation between all engaged in running the Dominion railway system, instead of trade union pin-pricking and obstructive criticism, is preached by the Minister of Railways, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coatcs, in a personal message published in the "Railway Magazine" upon his return from abroad. "One result of what I have seen of the whole-hearted co-operation among the staffs employed by some of the most successful railways has been to more than convince me that trades unionism in the railways in New Zealand, if it is to do good for the men in whose interests it has been adopted, must encourage and assist in the introduction of the latest successful methods of management and production. No good has ever resulted from obstructive criticism. This is the 'get together' age. The practice of sweet reasonableness effects, and will continue to effect, far more all-round good than could possibly be accomplished if the management were continually subjected to a barrage of objections from representatives of the men employed to carry out instructions." "in any competitive enterprise, if there is disagreement in one firm between the men and the management the competitors get the trade. In State business there is a chance that unions, having in mind the possibility of political reprisals, may attempt to wield undue power. This can prove only detrimental to the men whom it is intended to benefit. Political action cannot raise real wages; more and better production per man can and will. Observation overseas has strongly confirmed my belief that neither parties nor bounties, neither tariffs nor doles, can. bring prosperity. This cohws, from one thing only —the application of brains and industry to all productive operations. By such means alone can the railways achieve success against competition. "The rule applies equally to private business as to State concerns. No industrial gain can follow fror long distance sniping between men and management. It is better to ground arms and come together in goodwill, detei mined to produce better results by consultation and co-operative action, method, system, arrangement, and the elimination of waste in effort and material. These do not make work harder, but they do make it pleasanter and more remunerative. It is co-operation of the staff in. their own interests, as well as those of the country. Following the experience gained whilst holding the portfolio of railways during the past four years, first-hand information now obtained overseas has, I must confess, broadened my own outlook, and I trust that by the judicious introduction of reforms in various directions, that this Uiay prove of benefit both to the men who work and tlie public who use our national transport system." 1