REMUNERATION OF LABOUR

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 134, 22 February 1923, Page 8

REMUNERATION OF LABOUR

A COMMON INTEREST “EMPLOYERS NOT HOSTILE” “The fair and just remuneration of labour has again been one of the burning questions of the year,” stated Mr. E. H. Wyles, in his presidential address at the annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Drapers and Clothiers yesterday. “During the war period and that immediately following it increases of wages and bonuses were granted to meet tho increased cost of living; and it was only, to be expetced that when the cost of living had lessened and these bonuses had. to be cut down there should be some who objected to having their remuneration reduced, even although that reduction was just and necessary. I want to emphasise the fact that employers and employees have a common interest in the maintenance of industry and trade, and both should be prepared to accept the swing of the pendulum. Trade can only be stabilised by bringing prices down consistent with the purchasing power of the public; but prices cannot be brought down if all the factors of increased cost remain as high as before.

“Employers are in no way hostile to trade unions, but are greater friends to labour than labour thinks, as although there are times when employers are compelled to oppose the demands of those who hold extreme views, such demands, if granted, would act greatly to the disadvantage of those in whose interests they are ostensibly claimed; and if we did not oppose extreme demands and do our utmost to keep the demands of the unions within such limits as the resources of trade and industry warrant, then there must be disaster in the shape of unemployment, and unemployment is the last thing any honest employer wishes to see. “I am satisfied that if all differences between Capital and Labour are approached in a frank, open, and reasonable spirit by both sides, there is no difficulty that is not capable of a satisfactory solution. I am sure that the majority of our workers want only what is fair and just; but the sudden change from tho prosperous conditions of the boom period to more difficult times has clouded the issue. There is no doubt that a great deal of the differences that have arisen in connection with the wages question are the aftermath of the period of prosperity through which we have been passing since the war finished, and which has blinded us to tho real economic results of a policy which was not sufficiently inquired into at the time it was installed, or the effects of which were not properly considered. “Everyone, both employer and worker, must recognise that there is only one thing out of which wages can be paid, and that is production; but if everyone puts his shoulder to the wheel and will assist by every means in his power in promoting the industry or trade in which he is engaged all will bo assisting themselves, and so far. as the workers are concerned, providing that means out of which wages, and I hope good wages, can be paid. We are not going to derive any benefits from peace if we are going to be at war amongst ourselves. I do appeal to all those who speak on behalf of labour to look facts in the face, and to work with us together in the promotion of industrial peace and greater prosperity foi all. They, and we, have a duty to the community as well as to ourselves. Let us recognise that, in striving for the common good of all, we are benefiting ourselves and those for whom we act or speak. If we are to regain a more normal and prosperous condition in industry and trade we must all pull in the same boat and pull together. If we do so act, we shall be doing our share towards the common weal, and strengthening the bonds of common- endeavour and common interest, which are the surest foundations of industrial peace and progress.” (Applause.)