Employers to air voluntary unionism view

Press, 28 September 1983, Page 7

Employers to air voluntary unionism view

Christchurch employers will get their chance to give their views on voluntary unionism when the Canterbury Employers’ Association holds a briefing session on the Industrial Law Reform Bill tomorrow. Circulars have been sent to the association’s member companies advising them of the session, to be held in the Horticultural Hall from 10.30 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. The association’s director, Mr N. M. West, said that the session would be a “twoway exchange,” with officers of the association explaining the bill clause by clause, and members of the association giving their views on the practical effects to them of the legislation. Mr West said he imagined there would be considerable interest in the meeting and a second might be held in Christchurch if there was a demand. Meetings organised by the

association would also be held in Ashburton and Timaru on October 3 and in Blenheim on October 5.

The Employers’ Federation has publicly accepted the principle of freedom of association, but when the bill was introduced on September 17 the federation’s executive director. Mr J. W. Rowe, dubbed it “negative.” The Employers’ Federation is preparing submissions on the bill which will be presented to a select committee. The views of members of affiliated associations will be collated and form a guideline for the federation’s submission drafters. The circular sent to Canterbury employers said that the submissions would seek to ensure a balance in enforcement among employers, unions and workers. “The employer must not become the meat in the sandwich without effective means of redress,” said the circular.