Penal clause main issue in wage talks

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32849, 24 February 1972, Page 14

Penal clause main issue in wage talks

<New Zealand Preu AtioclatlOn)

WELLINGTON, February 23. The national council of the. Federation of Labour today opposed “any intention of the Government to consider the extension of the Stabilisation of Remuneration Act.”

The president (Mr T. E Skinner), said the council ha< supported the national exe cutive’s stand in its talk: with the Employers’ Federa tion on bringing the Indus trial and Conciliation Act ui to date. The executive wanted t( uphold the principles o direct bargaining, and abollsl restrictive and punitive mea sures, in any new act.

The council authorised the executive to continue the negotiations, in an effort to achieve legislation that would facilitate and improve industrial relations generally. Mr Skinner said the talks would resume on March 9. It is believed that only the employers* insistence that penal measures be included in new legislation is interrupting the smooth flow of the negotiations. Mr Skinner said the council had expressed concern about the rising number of unemployed. “The Government needs a realistic approach in dealing with the basic requirements, and should not try to patch up the inflationary situation brought about by its own policies,” Mr Skinner said.