Govt action on unions deplored

Press, 5 December 1979, Page 33

Govt action on unions deplored

PA Wellington Three Governments, including New Zealand’s, have been condemned by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions Congress for “blatant. dictatorial interference in tra.de union rights and freedoms.” The I.C.F.T.U. cites Australia and Britain with New Zealand as primary offenders against trade unions in Western countries. Letters pointing out failure by the countries to observe International Labour Organisation recommendations will be sent to the respective Prime Ministers by the I.C.F.T.U.’s general secretary (Mr O. Kersten). In Wellington, the president of the Federation of Labour (Mr W. J. Knox) who returned last week from the I.C.F.T.U. meeting in Spain, said he had been supported by the Australian and British delegations when he moved a resolution on the issue at the congress.

“It was supported unanimously, and congress speakers expressed their opinions that the Government interference in th< three countries was a pat tern which was developinj in the Western world. "The Prime Minister: will be advised of th 1.L.0. and I.C.F.T.U. cor cepts of the right of trad; unions to bargain freeh with employers and when agreement is reached fo; it to be accepted without Government interference," Mr Knox said. Government actions and attitudes in the three countries, Mr Knox said, were believed by the I.C.F.T.U. to be aimed to bring trade unions under State control. Mr Knox said foreign capital investment in New Zealand industries, and its use for the establishment of new industries, was accepted by the congress as a possible attempt to weaken trade unions and bring them under the control of the State.