ADJUSTMENTS TO AWARDS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24981, 16 September 1946, Page 4

ADJUSTMENTS TO AWARDS

«TOO MUCH TAKEN FROM EMPLOYERS ” (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 15. “It is claimed by the employers that far too much is taken from them when adjustments to awards are being made and far too little is given in return,” said Mr W. J. Mountjoy, agent for the employers in a case before the Court of Arbitration. “In fact,” he continued, “it has been remarked on many occasions within the last few weeks, in Conciliation Council proceedings, by employers that the Court seldom grants any benefits to employers but appears to be set up for the sole purpose of giving something extra to the workers every time.” “There is some truth in what the employers say,” said Mr Justice Tyndall, “but it has to be remembered that the whole of the industrial conciliation and arbitration legislation of this country was designed primarily to protect the workers. It may be that we have reached a stage when another act is wanted to protect the employers. I must confess that Conciliation Councils frequently embarrass me by the demands they send to this Court, but whenever I express surprise Mr Monteith, the workers’ representative on the Court, points out that the employers have agreed to the proposals.” Mr Mountjoy: Conciliation Councils often embarrass me. too, sir.