LABOUR IN CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 135, 5 December 1944, Page 6

LABOUR IN CONFERENCE

SYDNEY, December 4. Two important Labour conferences began, here today. Their main purpose is to discuss proposals for drastically changing the present arbitration machinery. The discussions are likely to continue throughout the week.

The more important of the two conferences is that of "the powerful executive of the Australian Council of Trades Unions. The second conference is between the New South Wales executive of the Australian Labour Party and representatives of 70 affiliated unions.

Two main proposals on industrial arbitration are before the unions One which has received wide support from the employees in heavy industries places the emphasis on collective bargaining. Counter-proposals advocated by l the more moderate section of the workers provide for the elimination of all lawyers in award-making procedure and of all except one Arbitration Court Judge who would not have the power to make awards, but who would advise on legal questions. The appointment of conciliation committees in every occupation is suggested. These will represent the union and the employers, with power to make awards.

Other problems to be discussed by the two conferences include the coal situatipn, the general introduction of the 40-hour week, and wage pegging.