Idea an ‘about-face’ for employers

Press, 19 April 1986, Page 9

Idea an ‘about-face’ for employers

Employers’ organisations would perform a complete about-face if they began supporting compulsory employer organisation membership, according to the director of the Canterbury Employers’ Association, Mr Colin Mclnnes.

He was responding to hints by the Minister of Labour, Mr Rodger, that compulsory union membership might be extended to employer groups. “The employers’ organisation has argued strongly against compulsory worker union membership to the extent of complaining to the International Labour Organisation about the legislation

reintroduced by the Government,” he said. “The individual employer or worker should have the freedom to choose whether he belongs to an organisation. We are prepared to stand on our own feet, accepting that membership depends on the quality of service provided. “It is a pity the trade union movement does not seek to establish its own credibility based on the standard of service it provides its members. The employers’ associations, which constitute the employers’ federation, are separately incorporated bodies.” Mr Mclnnes said he doubted whether legal

changes could be made to make membership of incorporated societies compulsory. “Such a law would be Draconian to say the least. If there is imbalance in our industrial relations system the answer is clearly to remove the compulsion from worker membership and not impose it on employer organisations. "Increasing numbers of employers are becoming aware of the necessity of belonging to an employers’ association. It is not in any employer’s interest to remain out in the cold but he has the democratic right to choose.”