LABOUR LEGISLATION F.O.L. Expects To Be Consulted

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32360, 28 July 1970, Page 28

LABOUR LEGISLATION F.O.L. Expects To Be Consulted

(New Zealand Press Association) ' AUCKLAND, July 27. The president of the Federation of Labour (Mr T. E. Skinner) said today that he would be surprised if the Government went ahead with any legislation to halt industrial unrest without first consulting his federation and the Employers' Federation.

He was commenting on proposed legislation for dealing with industrial unrest, outlined by the Minister of Labour (Mr Marshall) in Rotorua at the week-end. “Unless It is workable legislation, and finally accepted in general by both sides, it will never work,” he said. “Any legislation which envisages penalties won’t help the situation.” He said the real problem

was one of economics, not of industrial relations. “People find they need more to live, and find they can’t get it under the present system of industrial arbitration. It is a status quo system,” he said. “We need a new system. Some employers realise this and write ruling rates agreements into awards. We are in a transitional period from one system to another, and are changing to a process of more direct bargaining between employers and workers.” A maximum of employerworker relationships was required, and a minimum of Government interference. The Wellington Trades Council fully supported the Federation of Labour in Its opposition to further legislation against trade unions, the president of the council (Mr T. Hill) said today. “The Government would be aware of the mass indignation by unionists when it brought down the amendment

to the Shipping and Seamen Act providing for the gaoling and fining of workers,” he said. “Industrial unrest in recent months has been due to the effect of Government policy on the inroads made on the workers’ wage packets, the high cost of living, food, clothing, shelter and services. “We believe that if the Government gave urgent attention to these matters, industrial unrest would be reduced,” said Mr HilL “We agree with the Minister of Labour (Mr Marshall) when be stated that good industrial relations would not be achieved by strong-arm tactics or punitive measures by the Government"