MINING DISPUTE

Feilding Star, Volume 9, Issue 3742, 10 June 1932, Page 7

MINING DISPUTE

Labour Party’s Support CONFERENCE RESTRICTION AIM OF THE MEN PUT INTO A STATEMENT (Per Press Association.) Wellington. June 0. The national executive of the New Zealand La bom* Party lies issued a statement in regard to the mining dispute, expressing concern at the attitude of the mineowners in “setling down conditions before agreeing to meet mine workers.” ‘•The clear aim of the workers is to go to the conference, at which every condition is associated with the industry of coalmining will he frankly discussed, an 1 in ihis they have the full support of the Labour Party,” the .statement adds. “The mineowners* insistence on the endorsement of a material condition affecting employment, without a discussion, befor any conference on tin* matter will he considered is contrary to the principle of conciliation and consultation which should he recognised in modern industry. The claim put forward by the coal owners lor undisputed power to dismiss workers is contrary to the spirit and practice of the arbitration system wkliich has prevailed in this country for so many years, and cruelly infringes the right of workers to a voice in the organisation of the industry which tlieir labour makes possible. .“On this point, the miners’ demand for consideration is just and reasonable. and all the more so at a time like the present when unemployment has become a problem of serious national importance; and. in view of the fact that the rationing principle has been recommended to employers by the lit. Hon. J. G. Coates, the Labour Party heartily supports the miners’ request for a conference which shall not be hampered by any condition imposed beforehand. “The party is of the opinion that, failing the agreement of the mineowners to confer with the mine workers it s the duty of the Government to bring about a conference in the interst of all parties—tlu* mineowner. the miners and the consuming public.”