Speech called provocative

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32564, 25 March 1971, Page 12

Speech called provocative

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, March 24.

The president of the Federation of Labour (Mr T. E. Skinner) reacted sharply to comments made in Christchurch today by Mr R. H. Stewart, a former president of the Manufacturers’ Federation.

A message from Christchurch quoted Mr Stewart as saying that once the Stabilisation of Remuneration Bill was passed, organised labour —unless brought under control by legislation—would call massive strikes, making demands on employers which could not be met. Mr Skinner said these remarks were dangerous and provocative, and full of hatred against the trade union movement.

“It would be interesting to know whether his views are supported bv the Employers’ Association,” said Mr Skinner.

He said workers were not compelled to belong to unions. It was an agreement reached between their unions and their employers.

“It’s a very dangerous, provocative, and very explosive statement to make,” said Mr Skinner. “It appears to me that he is provoking a lot of industrial unrest in this country. He is agitating the trade unions to take action. Instead of creating the good will so necessary, he is advocating the reverse.” Mr Skinner said the F.O.L. had about 280,000 members through affiliation, and the figure was growing every day. Asked about “good employees," he replied that every employee was a good one. Workers were just as good as employers deserved.

“I think it was a deliberately thought out talk to express his hatred against the trade union movement," said Mr Skinner. “It appears that things had quietened down too much for Mr Stewart, so he had to get up and stir the pot,” Mr Skinner said. ( Mr Stewart: Page 3)