DEFENCE WORKS

Grey River Argus, 20 March 1942, Page 6

DEFENCE WORKS

GOVERNMENT PLAN Criticised by Workers’ Organisations [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 18. A statement issued by the New Zealand Building Trades Federation welcomes the mobilisation of labour and materials in the building industry for defence works, but points out that there are important differences between the Government’s scheme and the workers’ plan for the building industry, the most-im-portant being that the scheme makes no provisions for workers’ representation on the Defence Construction Council. The Federation will continue urging this proposal, while accepting' the present plan as a basis for further advances. It is also contended that the Commissioner should be subject to the direction of the Construction Council.

The statement says, in regard to consultations, that its representatives were confronted not with draft proposals, but with cut-and-dried plans of organisation and conditions of employment. The matter of the abrogation of the award in respect t’o Sundays and holiday work was not mentioned at the discussion, but was first mentioned by the Commissioner next day. The workers’ representatives endorsed the general plan for the control of the industry, but reserved the right to declare their attitude l on wages and conditions. After hearing Mr. Fletcher, they rejected the proposals for flat rates and the abroga-

tion of the Sunday and holiday award provisions. Nevertheless, regulations based on the original proposals were applied. The workers’ representatives were taking steps to secure the removal of such injustices as would give rise to discontent. “However, strongly as we disagree with the methods adopted in working out this plan, we as trades unionists will not do anything to impair the unity of the people of delay the completion of the measures necessary for our existence. Accordingly, we are advising our affiliations to accept the plan and provisions in the meantime, ahcl to get under way immediately. We are placing the greatest emphasis on the speedy establishment of job committees, as we consider these committees offer the best means of securing the efficient completion of work, also the best means through which the workers can make known to the Government and secure action on the many amendments to the scheme of control, and to working conditions and wages, which the Federation considers necessary and urgent.

Mr. Fraser comments: The decision of the Government was not made until after discussion witn the representatives of the organisations concerned. It is quite true that the representations made by one or two of the unions were not adopted. I regret that the cooperation of the Federation is weakened by so many qualifications.. Only whole-hearted co-operation will really count. That is forthcoming, from the mass of the workers in’ the building trades, and other workers concerned. The defence construction programme will accordingly be pushed through with vigor and efficiency. Mr. Fletcher, Commissioner of Defence Construction, states the new rates of pay and hours for defence work will operate as from Saturday last, and all contractors must comply as from that date. The only exceptions from prescribed rates are leading hands and foremen. Apprentices must be employed in accordance with their apprenticeship contracts.