FUTURE LABOUR LAWS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22678, 5 April 1939, Page 12

FUTURE LABOUR LAWS

■ * CHANGE IN METHOD

ANNOUNCED

CONSIDERATION BY ALL PARTIES HON. P. C. WEBB’S PROPOSAL Before legislation affecting labour laws in New Zealand is introduced the'bills will be referred first to the Cabinet, then to the caucus of the Labour Party, and then to the Advisory Councils of Industry for -their consideration. This new policy was disclosed by the Minister for Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) last evening, when he said that a number of bills were already ready for consideration through the various channels. The Minister made his announcement when he was questioned on the possibility of the Government introducing. legislation making a five-day week for shops compulsory. It was pointed out to him by a representative of “The Press” that the official journal of the Federated Shop Assistants’ Association had published his photograph with the caption, “Our Hope for a 40-Hour Five-day Week,” and that a report had been made that his predecessor (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) had promised favourable legislation. In reply, the Minister outlined his new policy of dealing with industrial legislation. The contemplated measures, he said, involved amendments mostly to the Shops and Offices Act and the Factories Act, while a consolidation was proposed of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. _ Longer Award Terms No changes in the constitution of the Arbitration Court were proposed, he replied. The present Court was working quite efficiently, and was hoping to be able to catch up with the major work. The policy of the Court in fixing longer terms for the awards made by it was approved by the Minister, who said that it would bring about greater stabilisation in industry. Negotiations are being made for the formation of the National Council of Industry, following on the foundation of district councils. High hopes for the (scheme bringing about greater unity in industry were expressed last evening by the Minister. “Both Sides Enthusiastic” “The response from every part of New Zealand, and from both sides, to the call of unity and co-operation in industry has been excellent from both sides, both employers and employees being enthusiastic getting together to face the problems m a united wav.” said Mr Webb. The Government, he said, was anxious to co-operate to the fullest extent with employers and employees, in order to evolve a more practical and harmonious form of working. “And I am informed in many quarters that from that more harmonious spirit finding an expression in industry, a better feeling and better results are accruing.”