FOR BRITISH INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 5, 6 July 1928, Page 9

FOR BRITISH INDUSTRY

FEUIT OF CONFEEENCE LABOUR AND CAPITAL Australian Press Association—United Service. LONDON, 4th July. The immediate formation of a National Industrial Council, to enable a continuation of the improvement in industrial reorganisation and industrial relations, was the chief recommendation of the committee reporting to tho conference of employers and trade unionists which Lord Melchett inaugurated. A full meeting of the conference to-day accepted the report. COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS. It is proposed that' the Industrial Council shall consist of an equal number of members of the General Council of the Trade Union Congress and representatives of the employers nominated by the Federation of British Industries and the National Confederation of Employers. The associations will hold quarterly meetings for general consultation on the widest questions concerning industry and industrial progress, also to establish and direct machinery continuously' to investigate industrial problems; and further to establish a joint standing committee for the appointment of conciliation boards. MOST HELPFUL ELEMENT. The report emphasises that the most helpful clement would be the strengthening of good.relations on both sides, including a broader recognition of joint responsibility, the avoidanco of stoppages, with provision for a joint standing committee of ten a side, who would be empowered to discuss, in relation to disputes, all questions in the affected industry. The report recognises that the Trade Union Congress is the most effective organisation to discuss and negotiate all questions relating to the whole field of industrial reorganisation, while negotiations would be facilitated by the workers becoming unionists and the employers being organised. The report deprecates any form of victimisation, either of workers or employers. REPORT ADOPTED. At to-day's conference Mr. Ben Turner, who presided, proposed the adoption of the report. He claimed that the report would be the basis of a national understanding and development. He emphasised that large numbers were looking hopefully towards the outcome. Lord Melchett, in seconding the adoption of the report, referred to the committee's unanimity. He said that six months ago he would not have thought it possible to present such far-reaching solutions, so fundamental and influenial for the future of industry. The conference accepted the report, with one dissentient vote | It is understood that the conference and a joint committee are continuing the discussions.