Union of local body employers likely

Press, 4 February 1984, Page 16

Union of local body employers likely

From

OLIVER RIDDELL,

in Wellington

One single employers’ union to cover all local authorities is becoming increasingly likely. Widespread support for the development already exists among many of the territorial and ad hoc local authorities that would be involved. Late last year a paper on the subject was circulated. It was written by the chief advocate of the Employers’ Federation. Mr

Max Bradford, and was generally acceptable to local government employers. Such a single industrial union would cover city, borough and county councils, united and district councils, and catchment, hospital, power, and harbour boards. The impetus for a single employers’ industrial association has come mainly from the Govern-

ment. Both the Under-Secretary for Local Government, Mr G. W. F. Thompson, and the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, have been criticising the disparity in levels of remuneration for local government employees compared with those employed by the State. Mr Bradford considered that in the light of the Government’s interest, it was “highly possible, if not probable” that there might be State control of local government wage-fixing. He said the alternative to State control would be local government control, and that would mean forming either an industrial association of employers or a local government personnel commission. A personnel commission would result in “a substantial loss of autonomy” for local authorities and would not necessarily be favourably inclined towards local authority employers. So Mr Bradford recommended that the option of an industrial association of employers be sought to preserve the greatest amount of freedom and autonomy for the local government sector. To succeed and to prevent Government intervention, it was essential that the full co-operation of all local authorities be guaranteed, he said. "Whatever the outcome, there is no option but for some loss of autonomy by individual local authorities. The only question is whether this will be imposed or voluntary.” Co-operation and self-discipline would be necessary because the Industrial Relations Act, 1973, did not give any specific powers to an industrial association, Mr Bradford said. The Government is unlikely to give legislative approval for such an association. The provisions for voluntary unionism in the Industrial Relations Act, 1983, would prevent active Government support. Also, it would be faced with other employer and employee groups wanting similar statutory authority. The Employers’ Federation has been asked to prepare a paper on how to form the proposed association.