At last, a mediator

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32774, 26 November 1971, Page 8

At last, a mediator

After the chapter of errors which developed from the Government’s first attempt to appoint a chief industrial mediator two months ago the

announcement—without dissenting voices—that the post will be filled by Mr J. D. Gibb, of Wellington, must be welcome. The chief mediator’s position, potentially, is one of the most delicate and important in the country’s industrial relations. Like the office of Ombudsman, it is a post in which the skill and success of the first occupant will go a long way towards determining how the office will work and how it will be received by the community. As senior conciliation commissioner, Mr Gibb, has commanded the respect of employers and by his impartiality, dignity, and sense of humour, unions alike. The office of chief mediator will be considerably more demanding. Conciliators have functioned chiefly as chairmen in meetings between the opposing parties; the mediator will be expected to take the initiative, not only in attempting to find solutions to disputes, but, sometimes, in intervening in disputes before relations have broken down. The selection process this time should have ensured that Mr Gibb has the confidence of employers, unions, and the Government The best interests of all parties will be served if he is now permitted to get on with the delicate job of making mediation effective.