Unions and strikes

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32565, 26 March 1971, Page 8

Unions and strikes

Sir,—Mr R. H. Stewart’s position and experience demand respect for the timely

statements he made to the accountants’ luncheon reported in “The Press” today. His fears were, I believe, well founded. The damage to our export potential by irresponsible stop-work protest meetings and strikes is very real. Knowing him personally I can say he has no hatred against trade union members. He employs and respects them. It is the "organised labour leaders” he questions. Mr T. E. Skinner, who criticised Mr Stewart’s statements has the power in his own hands, as president of the Federation of Labour, to prove if Mr Stewart’s statements are right or wrong.— Yours, etc., E. B. E. TAYLOR. March 25, 1971.

Sir,—Some points in Mr Stewart’s speech deserve consideration. There is need in New Zealand trade unionism both for reform and for a change of aim. After the 1966 election, when, as a failed candidate, I took a job in a wool store, I had an argument with a union organiser which was farcical. I said I was not against unions, but before I joined I would like to know when the next meeting was. He replied that they had given up sending out notices of meetings to members “because it costs too much.” When I queried this explanation, he threatened me with the Boss if I didn’t stop arguing and pay up. But other workers were by now backing me up and saying, "Good on you, Mark,” so I did not shut up, whereupon the union organiser went and got the Boss, who then used his authority to end the discussion.—Yours, etc., MARK D. SADLER. March 25, 1971.