Call for less Govt say in union affairs

Press, 15 July 1983, Page 2

Call for less Govt say in union affairs

PA Wellington The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce wants New Zealand to ratify an international convention restricting Government intervention in trade union affairs, including wage negotiations, registration of unions, and voluntary unionism.

A recommendation that New Zealand ratify the International Labour Organisation’s convention 87 was among a number of unionrelated matters adopted by 40 delegates to the Chambers’ annual meeting in Wellington this week. The meeting also urged that: ® New Zealand return without delay to a system of secret ballots for strike action.

• Civil damages be available for unlawful unioncreated losses.

® Industrial legislation be actively enforced, where deserved, against both employers and unions. The remit originally supported voluntary unionism, but an amendment widened its scope to refer to the 1.L.0. convention.

One delegate asked why all industrial nations had adopted the 1.L.0. motion, but not New Zealand. The remit also asked the meeting to express concern at the provision in many awards for the compulsory collection of union dues by employers, and recom-

mended to the New Zealand Employers’ Federation that the question be introduced into the present round of wage negoiations, with a view to amendment. The meeting was also critical of Government interference in the economy and business. The Chambers resolved to express their concern to the Government and demand a review of policies on Government spending, borrowing, and interference, by way of legislation, in tribunals and business restraints.

A remit opposing retroactive legislation, especially in taxation, was also passed. The Canterbury Chamber proposed forming an advisory body on tax reform, but the meeting felt that New Zealand was adequately served by the Tax Foundation, and voted against the remit.

Introduction of a two-tier unemployment benefit, with an allowance for those participating in retraining programmes, was supported. At the meeting the general manager of Union Maritime Services, Mr D. A. Graham, of Wellington, was elected president of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, succeeding Mr A. G. Williams, of Christchurch. Messrs F. Crothall, of Christchurch and J. A. Hazlett, of Lower Hutt were elected first and second vice-presidents respectively.