RELATIONS IN INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25448, 20 March 1948, Page 2

RELATIONS IN INDUSTRY

PLEA FOR IMPROVEMENT MADE

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, March 19. “For the first time in history employees are on the box. seat, ana what would* you do if you were in their place,” the president of the Dunedin Chamber (Mr A. C. Stephens) asked delegates at the annual conference of the e Associated Chambers of Commerce this tnorning. He was speaking to a Dunedin remit urging constituent chambers to take all possible steps for the improvement of industrial relations.

“Employees are now on the box seats and are enjoying themselves at your expense.” said Mr Stephens, “but it cannot go on indefinitely and they know it. They are .worried about the future and they are worried about price control.”

As an instance of successful industrial relations, Mr Stephens quoted the experience of the Dunedin Chamber and the waterside workers after sending a letter to the union congratulating it on the more efficient turnover on Dunedin wharves. The chamber heard that the message had “completely changed the attitude of those workmen. It was such a small thing for so much.”