Labour: Time to speak up

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34128, 14 April 1976, Page 22

Labour: Time to speak up

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 1.3. Threats by the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) to expel trade unionists from the country should jolt fairminded citizens out of complacency, the Opposition spokesman on immigration, Mr FM. Colman, said today.

Citizens should be moved to speak up in defence of the democratic rights of any person — native born or immigrants — who might wish to participate in the affairs of their union, Mr Colman said. “Not everyone would agree with actions or the advocacy of trade union officials, be they migrants or others. But all should stand up for their right to take part in tradeunion, political, or any other

lawful activity in this country.” Mr Colman was referring to comments made by Mr Muldoon in London on British migrants. Political, religious, or trade union views must not be a consideration in selection of migrants.

“The Opposition will resist any moves to regulate immigration policies to this end,” he said. ‘UNIONS DEMOCRATIC’ The president of the Federation of Labour (Sir Thomas Skinner) said today that Mr Muldoon did not understand the trade union movement or its democratic working. “All our officials are democratically elected by the members, irrespective of their race, colour, or creed,” he said. The number of non-New Zealanders holding official positions was very small.

Even,- person should have the right to express an opinion without interference from the Prime Minister. “It’s only on totalitarian countries that trade unionists are sing'ed out for gaol sentences. W e don’t gaol them here, nor should we,” said Sir Thomas.