F.O.L.’s new deal for Pacific Island migrants

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34147, 7 May 1976, Page 2

F.O.L.’s new deal for Pacific Island migrants

(From our Wellington reporter)

Sweeping recommendations on New Zealand-Pacific Island work schemes and migrant flows, many of them irreconcilable with the immigration policies of the Government, were adopted in principle by the annual conference of the Federation of Labour in Wellington today.

A remit from the Northern Drivers’ Union called for nine amendments to the existing arrangements. These would:

Provide for permanent residents in New Zealand to sponsor their relatives to come to New Zealand for working holidays. Allow a balance of permanent relatives. people requiring work and groups raising funds for community development projects. Offer the opportunity of permanent settlement to a significant cross-section if there is to be continuing temporary migration. Return 50 per cent of migrant worker’s tax to their country of origin, since such workers do not qualify for social security benefits, or introduce bi-

lateral agreements with the respective Governments. Shift the administrative load of the present scheme from the individual employer to a central agency. Introduce some flexibility into the Immigration Act so that “overstayers” can be treated more humanely and migrant workers can be assured of reasonable earnings to take home. Lengthen permits to nine months or a year. Guarantee a minimum flow of migrant workers.

Assist in setting up appropriate industries in the Pacific Islands and guarantees of reasonable access to the New Zealand market.

It was the last amendment which proved the biggest stumbling block to the aceept-

ance of this package. Originally. it called for “free and unrestricted” rather than “reasonable” access and the President of the F.O.L. (Sir Thomas Skinner) said it would be dangerous to endorse this without reservations.

He quoted problems of quality, or Drice. and any effects on the employment situation in New Zealand. These had to be resolved by any scheme and to pass this amendment in so sweeping a form would tie the hands of the F.O.L. Sir Thomas wanted to add the words “contingent on the employment situation in New Zealand” but was accused by the secretary of the Northern Drivers’ Union (Mr G. H. Andersen) of introducing a non sequitur. After some discussion, the phrase “reasonable access” was inserted instead. This was one of the few occasions at the conference so far where the appearance of unity and good will within the federation was blurred. While there mav be nhilosophic differences between delegates, the desire for the F.O.L. to present a united front to the Government and general public on its attitude to economic and industrial matters has been

so great as to preclude any bickering. Neither the leadership nor the rank and file are looking for chances to score points off each other, and it is doubtful if the conference in its present mood would tolerate any divisive or hostile actions or remarks. The en bloc return of sitting office holders with overwhelming majorities was only one manifestation of this general feeling. Delegates were particularly eloquent about cost of living orders and strongly urged the national executive to consider ways and means to co-ordinate a campaign to achieve the full amount of the cost of living order. Other resolutions calling for a return of free bargaining between unions and employers, supporting a free trade union movement in both South Africa and Chile, opposing snorting contacts with countries who "selected teams on a racial basis” and margins for skilled workers, were equally well received.

The position of women within the F.O.L.’s structure received a thorough airing and a resolution from the women’s advisory committee seeking inclusion of the committee within the F.O.L.’s constitution was endorsed in principle.