Industrial disputes

Press, 27 February 1981, Page 12

Industrial disputes

Sir, — May I suggest that our industrial strife, while tragi i, was bound to arise in the climate of confrontational politics we have enjoyed for the last five years. The country and even the main participants are victims of this mood, whether they are employed in managerial or manual roles. Some of the problems are lack of strength in management and responsibility in labour — the effect is that of weak parents failing to provide the direction and set the limits for unruly children. Education and management skills are weak in New Zealand compared with, say, the United States. Similarly the unions are weaker and less responsible, failing sometimes to lead and control their members and ensure that their contract with the company is observed. But the trouble is also at the very top — being ready to come out fighting for another year is no substitute for leadership and an example of diplomacy and statesmanship. —Yours, etc.,

R. T. C. HARMAN. February 25, 1981.

Sir, — We have a hardworking dedicated police force. When a so-called “peaceful picketer” deliberately bleaks the law and then invites arrest he must be dealt with by the courts. There is no place for politicians dr the Federation of Labour in this process. If the majority of our citizens do not like the law as it stands they ,can change it through the parliamentary process. We have lost our sense of direction and are rapidly developing into a “banana republic.” More discipline is needed in our society, not less. What about the rights of the great majority of people who are continually being held to ransom by some pressure group? Take our “peaceful protesters” HART, C.A.R.E., the National Council of Churches, the Human Rights Commission and any other protest group and put them all on an island. When they have worked out the perfect society we will have a look at it and judge it on its merits. — Yours, etc.,

E. R. BLAKELY. February 25, 1981. ■