Agreement ‘impractical’

Press, 22 July 1981, Page 16

Agreement ‘impractical’

PA Wellington Employers have labelled “impractical" a combined Federation of Labour-Public Service Association draft agreement on new technology in industry. The two union organisations have revealed their proposals seeking full information, consultation, and negotiations on any work place changes caused by new technology. A draft agreement covering the proposals was given to the Employers’ Federation on the ground that a nation-

ally agreed document would eliminate many problems linked with technological change. The draft, however, was described by the federation's acting executive director, Mr Ray Taylor, as "impractical in substance in certain areas, and also impractical in its over-all content." Mr Taylor said the draft, would be studied on its merits, but employers would have to question its practicality. He also said that although the federation had received a

copy of the draft it had not i been involved in any discus- '. sion-'before it was framed. Re said the federation would be prepared to meet the F.O.L. and would also like to table other issues for disctission. Mr Taylor.said the federation had a policy on the introduction of new technology, and it had no mandate to discuss what was in effect an alternative policy. The F.O.L.'s request would be considered by the federation’s national executive on August 11.