Socred would outlaw strikes

Press, 28 May 1983, Page 2

Socred would outlaw strikes

PA Auckland A Social Credit government would legislate to end industrial disruption and strikes, says the party’s deputy leader, Mr G. T. Knapp. “Two measures are necessary to break out of the stupidity of industrial confrontation existing today. They are combined industrial unions and a new arbitration system.” Mr Knapp told Eden branch members on Thursday evening that “most people feel like banging heads together to knock some sense into the people responsible for these temperamental displays. “Common sense must prevail and, if that means legislation, then it’s time to act.” He said Social Credit would “bring the union versus employer matter to a head. “If the parties can’t reach

this by negotiation and consensus, then we would make it happen. “This might be unpopular in some quarters but I am confident that the majority of New Zealanders would be with us because, like us, they are sick and tired of the continuing industrial relations saga of strike, go slow, dispute, strike, go slow, dispute. “I believe the average New Zealander would be delighted to be rid of compulsory union membership. I believe he would be just as happy getting on with his job, rather than becoming a pawn in the game of power hungry trade union leaders." He said this was why Social Credit supported secret ballots to stop the “peer group pressure’’ that occurred in strike ballots. Strikes and campaigns of disruption “are just not part of the make-up of the New Zealand worker.”