FREEZING WORKS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 9, 5 October 1940, Page 13

FREEZING WORKS

Better UnderstandingIn Industry

CONFERENCE HELD

With a view to bringing about a better understanding and to avoid as far as possible any friction in the freezing industry, discussions have been held during the past few weeks by the Minister of Labour. Mr. Webb, Avith employers’ and workers’ representatives in the industry. At the request of the Minister a conference of representatives of the freezing companies and the executive of the New Zealand Workers’ Association was held in Wellington this week in an endeavour to find a basis for a better understanding. The conference reached a full agreement and had submitted proposals to the Minister, and it was his intention to refer these to the Industrial Emergency Council to consider the question of embodying them in regulations under the Emergency Regulations Act.

The following are the proposals:— The appointment of a works’ efficiency council. The council, which is to meet once a fortnight with the object of discussing works efficiency, shall comprise the union works board of control with representatives of the management. The district union secretary shall ipso facto be a member of the council. The objects of the council shall be:

(a) To promote and maintain harmonious relationship between the companies and their employees. (b) To discuss any suggestions for smoother running or mote efficient conduct of the operations at the works. (c) In particular to consider practical application of any suggestions brought forward by either side for Hie conduct of the works operations. (d) To discuss alterations found necessary due to any change of methods called for by the trade. Time occupied by workers attending these meetings as aud when arranged or attending to any matters arising out of council discussions, shall be paid for by the employers. Notwithstanding anything herein contained, it shall not be competent for any works efficiency council to adopt any measure conflicting with the provisions of tiie freezing workers’ award, unless such alteration has been approved by the New Zealand Freezing Workers’ Association.

National Council. There shall be a national couucil whose function shall be to settle any disputes arising between the parties. The national council shall comprise three represeuta; lives from each side. The meeting of the national council shall be held within 14 days after reference of a dispute by the employer or the district union concerned. Failing settlement by the national council of any dispute referred to it, sueh dispute may be referred by either party to the Court of Arbitratiou for settlement. During or after the hearing of the dispute, arrangements may be made for experts from botli sides to assist the Court in arriving, at its decision. Air. AVebb said last evening that the conference, over which he presided in the initial stages, revealed an earnest desire on the part of botli sides to come closer together with the object, of removing any obstacles in the way of maintaining and further increasing output during the present struggle. Notwithstanding that considerable improvement was shown in the output last season, it was desired that further endeavours be made to assist the Dominion's war effort, and thus ensure that food supplies would be available for the fighting forces and also for the civilian population in Great Britain, where the need was so urgent'.

The Alinister expressed his sincere appreciation of the ready assistance given by all those present at the conference to reach sueh a satisfactory agreement.