Case for retaining import licensing

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32715, 18 September 1971, Page 15

Case for retaining import licensing

More than 25,000 people might lose their jobs if, import licensing was abolished, the retiring president of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association (Mr J. D. Bull) said at the association’s annual meeting.

' w Profits, hef said, would drop by 10 per cent and more —and many , companies needed that 10 per cent to stay in business. “Many of us Would finish up mending bartfed wire fenqes,” said.Mr Buß. .< . Discussing labour relations, Mr Bull said: “This week we ■ have been given a disgraceful example of a completely irresponsible behaviour by members of. the Seamen’s Union. The oil pinker Erne lias Been held ,up by a dis- ’ pute, Concerning the non-pay-ment»of expenses . to crew % members during a hold-up during to a locpl strike at Newcastle, New South Wales, “These meh were given first-class hotel a&pmmodatien during their enforced stay, which, whgn you realise they were being paid with nothing to do, became virtually a helidaw.‘Woultfyou believe that they would have the gall to demand s payment to each man of $7.50 per day ; 'for expenses? *7 understand that .the em-' pldyers have offered $6 per ■ day in settlement, which pas i been, declined against (he' wishes of union-leaders. Stine-1 ly no payment except! perhaps for laundry should : have been made and the

fer could well be regarded as weakness on the part of the employers. ■ “The abuse of union and labour monopoly power is at the heart of the gravest problems which we face today,” said Mr BulL “It is unfortunate that the restrictive‘trade practice legislation does not provide for the control of labour monopolies, for. the actions of some unjohs are Surely contrary to the public interest.”