Remits To F.O.L. Urge More Overseas Trade

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30092, 28 March 1963, Page 6

Remits To F.O.L. Urge More Overseas Trade

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 27. There are 77 remits for the annual conference of the Federation of Labour when it meets in Wellington from April 30 to May 3. A number of unions urge the Government by various means to increase overseas trade. Many, particularly the Wellington Drivers’ Union, want trade with Socialist countries in order to "obtain more advantageous longterm trade agreements than those we have at the moment.”

The Auckland boilermakers want a Labour Government to draw up a five-year plan for a swift rate of growth in production, and also ask that protection be given to New Zealand manufacturers who have reasonable prospects of becoming competitive. The New Zealand Miners’ Union wants the Govern-

ment to send trade delegations to Russia and Chiba and the newly-independent countries in Africa and Asia. The carpenters want the Government to start its own shipping line “to prevent the exploitation of New Zealand by private shipping companies.”

Another remit from the Wellington Drivers’ Union demand the recall of all New Zealand troops stationed overseas, “as their Government’s policy is having longterm damaging effects to our country in the eyes of those peoples emerging from colonialism and establishing their independence.”

North Island watersiders want a full investigation into the methods employed by the New Zealand Railways in their bid to win cargo for the Aramoana. Railwaymen want the Federation at Labour to set up a public relations committee to counter “anti-worker newspaper and radio statements during industrial disputes.”

A remit from the Wellington Driver’s Union wants the F.O.L. to seek representation on a committee of inquiry into the operations, activity and expenditure of the Security Police.

Footwear workers want the Labour Government, when elected to legislate for three weeks' paid annual holiday a year for all workers.

A change from conciliation by compulsion to voluntary collective bargaining is urged in a remit from the Freezing Workers’ Union.

The miners want general wage order increases paid from the date the F.O.L. lodged the application with the court.