Annual F.O.L. Conference Expected To Be Lively

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29178, 12 April 1960, Page 18

Annual F.O.L. Conference Expected To Be Lively

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April IL

Though no-one will directly oppose the re-election next month of Mr F. P. Walsh as president of the Federation of Labour, it is unlikely that his tenure of the office will escape criticism at the federation’s annual conference, according to reports circulating in trade union circles.

The secretary of the Wellington ,j district branch of the New Zealand Engineer’s Union (Mr R. Darbyshire) said today that the prestige of the federation appeared to have declined conaiderably since the Neary-Walsh I libel case. Announcing the result of branch elections, Mr Darbyshire • said that all those members who I had objected to the use of the union’s funds to pay the costs ■ and damages of the libel case t were elected. All those members * who expressed opposition to the ? union’s withdrawal from the federation were defeated. Trade union circles point, out, i however, that this is only one branch union, and say that the opinions which appear to be held

by a majority of its members will by no means necessarily be indicative of the opinion of a majority of the delegates to the federation conference. It is understood, however, that of the 80 or more remits for discussion at the federation’s conference at least five are directly or indirectly critical of actions of the federation or of its president. Patea Freezing Workers

The Patea Freezing Workers’ Union is believed to want Mr Walsh censured and suspended from office for allegedly not observing the strict rules of the federation and acting contrary to the annual conference’s policy. This is taken to refer to Mr Walsh’s statement backing the threatened direct action of the freezing workers earlier in the year when they were in dispute with the employers, an action which the Patea union declared itself against. Another reported move is one by the Auckland Boilermakers’ Union to prevent any official of the federation making a statement without prior sanction of the executive.

The Wellington Labourers’ Union, which has opposed Mr Walsh at a number of conferences, is expected to suggest amending the constitution to debar any person who employs others from seeking office in the federation. This move is supported by the Auckland boilermakers, and is seen as being aimed at Mr Walsh, who is a director of a company which operates a farm. The Wellington Labourers’ Union is also understood to have

a remit designed to prevent anyone elected to national office holding office on a district trades council. Mr Walsh is also president of the. Wellington Trades Council.

It is not expected that any of these remits will be passed, but they are likely to generate heat and perhaps make this year’s conference much livelier than last year’s. By no means all the conference will be devoted to domestic wrangles. The more radical section of the Labour movement is expected to express dissatisfaction that more has not been done by the Government to introduce effective price control. The carpenters, drivers, and boilermakers will probably join forces to recommend legislation for the automatic incorporation of the 24 per cent, general wage order in all awards.

These unions are also expected to support a move for a higher minimum wage and a higher basic wage for the 40-hour week. Annual Holiday

The New Zealand Clerical Workers’ Union is believed to be seeking a clause in all awards granting three weeks’ annual holiday for all workers after a set period of service. Once again the federation is expected to endorse remits calling for amendments to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act to allow workers to withhold their labour and to resort to direct action under certain conditions.

One of the most interesting debates will be centred on an expected move from the Wellington Drivers’ Union to have an earlier ban imposed on individuals as conference delegates lifted. This is understood to be principally concerned with the position of Mr T. Hill, secretary of the Theatrical Workers’ Union, who has still not been forgiven for “insulting remarks” he is said to have made in 1948.