INDUSTRIAL HARMONY

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 March 1946, Page 2

INDUSTRIAL HARMONY

ROTARIAN'S PLEA FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING

TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES (P.A.) NAPIER, March 21. A plea for better understanding between employers and employees, particularly in view of the vital need for the re-absorption into industry of returned- servicemen, was voiced at the conference of Rotary Clubs of the 53rd District by Rotarian Eric T. Beaven, of Christchurch. Commenting that thousands of men had returned to the country in the past year to be absorbed into the business life of the community, Rotarian Beaven said he thought that Rotarians would agree that those who had returned from the war were more critical and generally they demanded to know the reasons why. “I think the training 2nd experience of servicemen overseas taught them to give of their- best when they were completely put into the picture so far as their operations were concerned and I suggest that opportunities will be created to do this in their civilian life by the wise employer,” he added. “Field-Marshal Montgomery, before El Alamein, was probably the first army commander to try the interesting experiment of informing the whole army of his plans, and it worked extraordinarily well. Change for Better. “It is clear from the industrial trouble which every country is experiencing that if we are to retain qUr democracy, as we know it and desire it, an essential change for the better must take place between those on the one hand who have the responsibility of employment and on the other hand with those who have the responsibility of service. Both must have real satisfaction in their work. How many of us have men and women working with us and not just for us?” Amplifying his views on the personal element, Rotarian Beaven asked how many walked through their places of business with a smile, and how many merely rushed through without the kindly, glance or friendly word so greatly appreciated. He recalled one businessman who personally congratulated and even made small presentations when such major events as engagements, marriages and arrival of children took place amongst the members of his staff. Six Miain Points.

As a final thought he left six suggestions as the basis for happier relationship between the two: — (1) A welfare committee; (2) a group incentive bonus system; (3) the payment of an annual bonus; (4) sick fund societies; (5) superannuation over and above social security, (6) a personal officer for large establishments and for small and medium setups. . . “The great incentive in this country is example,” he concluded. “Courage and example will lead troops, but instructions, however well written are cold and often meaningless. Can not we, as Rotarians, assist in this vital and absolutely essential task of improving the relationship between employer and employee?”