RAILWAY WORKS COUNCILS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25969, 24 November 1949, Page 6

RAILWAY WORKS COUNCILS

A.S.R.S. WITHDRAWAL

REQUEST FOR MAJORITY REPRESENTATION “The Press” Special Service

WELLINGTON, November 23. A direction to branches to withdraw from workshops councils or committees where they are operating has been issued by the executive council of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. This decision was made after the Minister of Railways (Mr R. Semr.le) had rejected a request for majority representation tor workers on councils and committees. In/its direction to branches the executive council s.ys that no further part must be taken in the committees unless the A.S.R.S. has majority representation. The council sets out a reply from the Minister to this decision, in which he puts forward alternative proposals to be considered by the society. The direction by the executive is in line with the society’s policy laid down by the biennial conference this year. .

The Minister, in his reply, stated: “It is with considerable regret that I have received the final word from your society that your members are adamant regarding their claim for majority representation on works councils; especially so in view of the efforts put forward by the management to secure a satisfactory compromise.” Mr Semple said he felt sure that there had been some misconception about the true function of the councils and the desires of the management and himself regarding them. He reiterated the statement of the society’s officials that staff relationships must be founded in proper integration of the managerial function at appropriate levels.

Under a centralised system- of control, said Mr Semple, it was quite impossible to provide an avenue of free expression of • ideas and opinions by those most affected by managerial directives, and he thought it would be conceded that the proposed works councils were the only real answer to the problems, both of unions and management. It was not a matter of voting according to industrial strength, but largely a matter of common agreement on the day-to-day problems of management as well as the promotion of efficiency. It was clear that the aims of the workers and' management in the railways were identical, in the promotion of maximum production and a good working atmosphere. He was hopeful that, on reconsideration, the society would accept the type of organisation followed at the Hutt workshops.

“It will be recognised, I am sure," said the Minister, “that the long delay in bringing the system of works councils fully into effect is detrimental in every 'respect, and I would ask that your executive take this important factor into account in further deliberations. I would say, too, that the management is quite prepared to experiment with forms of representation other than that established at the Hutt workshops, but in view of the initial success of the Hutt council it would prefer to continue generally on this basis.”

The other two systems suggested by the .Minister for consideration were the ward system and purely personal representation by election.