LABOUR TALKS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21579, 5 December 1944, Page 4

LABOUR TALKS

AUSTRALIAN POLICY TWO MAirTPROPOSALS ARBITRATION MACHINERY (Special Australian Correspondent.) (9 a.m.) SYDNEY. Dec. a. Two important Labour conferences began here yesterday. Their main purpose is to discuss proposals for drastically changing the present arbitration machinery. The discussions are likely to continue throughout. the week. The most important of the two conferences is that of the powerful executive of the Australian Council of Tiades Unions. The second conference is between the New South Wales executive of the Australian Labour Party and representatives o! 70 affiliated unions. Two main proposals on industrial arbitration are before Iho unions. One, which has received wide support from the employees in heavy industries. places emphasis on collective bargaining. ■Counter-proposals advocated by the more moderate seeti‘on of the workers provide for the elimination of all lawyers in the award-making procedure and of all. except one. arbitration judge, who would not have the power to. make awards but who would advise on legal questions. The appointment is suggested oi conciliation committees in each occupation representing the union and employers, with powers to make awards.

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