The Press MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1964. New Jobs For Old

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30634, 28 December 1964, Page 10

The Press MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1964. New Jobs For Old

Coastal seamen have joined the Christchurch railway goods shed workers in drawing attention to the fact that fewer men can now find work in these occupations because of changes in transport methods. The railway workers are in the better position, because the department has promised that redundant labour will not be dismissed but that the reduction in numbers will be achieved by letting normal wastage, through retirement and the changing of jobs, take its course. The cost will be borne by the taxpayers. The same course could not be contemplated in all industries, because it would impose an intolerable burden on those workers who are usefully employed and would add fantastically to the existing labour shortage. Full employment means that everyone should be able to find work generally suitable to his abilities without too much delay. It certainly does not mean that everyone is entitled to hold on to a job that does not really exist simply because he likes it. Only the exceptionally fortunate can expect to be able to demand the particular job they prefer at the moment. As for the railway workers’ fear that men put off would be at a disadvantage in “ a “ competitive labour market, ” the truth in New Zealand today is that employers compete for labour rather than that workers compete for jobs. The real solution to the problem of workers who become redundant when technical changes are made is that found by the seamen. According to the Lyttelton agent of their union (Mr A. T. Kelly) most of the 10 per cent unable to find berths on coastal shipping have obtained employment ashore in wool stores, freezing works, and construction projects. What is wrong with that? They are doing useful work and thus helping to maintain the national productivity on which their standard of living as well as that of all other New Zealanders depends. They can count themselves lucky that they have the opportunity to do so. Their example will have to be followed increasingly as modern methods supersede old-fashioned or inefficient practices. For the smoothness with which such changes are made trade unions, as well as employers and the State, have some responsibility.