“CONTRARY TO LAW”

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 221, 15 June 1936, Page 10

“CONTRARY TO LAW”

“All-In” Union For Local Bodies

MR. P. M. BUTLER’S VIEWS

Strong exception to a circular to local bodies issued by the Napier town clerk is taken by Mr. P. M. Butler, Wellington, secretary of the National Federation of Labourers and Related Trades..

"From all over New Zealand complaints and inquiries have readied me concerning a circular to local bodies emanating from the town clerk, Napier, and urging the formation of a Dominion local bodies’ employees’ union.” Mr. Buller said in a statement. "Had he been aware of the implication in the circular I feel sure he would not have sent it. "Local bodies are asked not to treat the circular seriously, as it is entirely ineffective and unavailing, and the suggestion contained in it is contrary to established law.

"For many years, the majority of local bodies have been parties to awards or agreements covering their respective employees, am] no serious objection has been lodged to this policy.

‘■lt has been ruled by the courts on several occasions that ‘all-in’ unions are unnecessary where there exists an industrial union or unions to which tlie .employees could properly and conveniently belong. This position still holds and the principle is emphasised in the recent amendments to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, which the Minister of Labour (Hon. 11. T. Armstrong) hits taken the trouble to explain fully through the Press. “I believe the Government can be relied on to see that neither employers nor employees take unfair advantage of the legislation, and local bodies would be better advised to accept the law as it stands, knowing that anomalies can be adjusted. “The suggestion from Napier is a will-of-the-wisp, causing misunderstanding where there need not be any. The circular suggests action which is contrary to the law and the policy of the Government.” PROPOSAL APPROVED Hastings Council’s Decision The proposal of the Napier Borough Council tlmt there should be one union covering all municipal workers met with the approval of the Hastings Borough Council at its last meeting. The Napier council advised tlmt it proposed to approach the Municipal Association asking it to take the necessary steps to enable one union being formed, and the support of the Hastings council was asked.

The letter pointed out that at the present time the employees of the Napier Borough Council were covered by approximately 10 unions, which made for a good deal of confusion in administration.