The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, December 17, 1943. WAR STRAIN ON LABOUR.

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1943, Page 4

The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, December 17, 1943. WAR STRAIN ON LABOUR.

Probably it is a reflex of the improvement in the Allied war outlook that industrial discontent should now begin to be manifest. In North America there is the threat of an extensive railway stoppage, and in one city employees in public services did strike this Aveek in the interests of unionism. In this country there has been Ministerial reference to instances of dissatisfaction among the workers, 'but confidence is felt that nothing will be done to precipitate in Avar time a critical industrial situation in this country. It must nevertheless be recognised that the demands of Avar have on the industrial front imposed upon the Avorkers a grooving strain. It is not only that Avork has been harder, and relaxation less than ever, but living conditions have groAvn more severe. The morale of the Avorkers has remained on the Avhole admirable, and that very fact is apt to obscure the possibility that many of them may feel the urgency of a betterment in their condition. lloavever, the prosecution of the Avar remains for each and all the immediate goal, and it is for the authorities to see that no- inequality is alloAved to interfere with the Avorkers’ ability and Avilnigness to maintain their Avar ef-1 fort. What is equally important | is a realisation that, after all the] burdens placed by the Avar on the Avorking class, they are looking after the Avar for an economic : and social equivalent to the fundamental obligations which they are discharging (during the

war. 'lt is in the meantime in-

cumbent on the workers to maim tain their patient disposition, even when their numerical strength is such that they could use it with no little effect in a bargaining way. In the ease of the American railwaymen, for instance, it may be expected that President Roosevelt will rely on tlmir Loyalty to solve the wages problem without a stoppage. It is suggested that railways as well as mines may require Slate operation for the duration, although it is' doubtful whether that arrangement, in the present state of feeling, would survive the war emergency in the United States. Yet the initiative of the State must be recognised as having in war time extended generally to a greater extent than it is likely ever again to recede. In Australia the possibility of post-war dislocation and unemployment is inducing the Government to seek extended powers by way of referendum to maintain employment. What can be taken widely for granted is that against the feeling that they are being exploited the masses are disposed to react after the Avar in no uncertain manner. Upon the leaders of the workers a growing responsibility rests. They must, take the widest and longest, views, acting not only for the advantage of their own sections, but of all sections of the community. There never has been, a stage where social and industrial relationships were on the eve of a greater readjustment than they are to-day. It is a situation which puts a higher premium than ever upon a deep sense of responsibility on the part of everybody, as well as a recognition by all of the rights of each. Because it is still essential to carry on industry in the grooves of pre-war years, that is not to say radical readjustment, must not succeed this emergency. While more and more people- look to the State for initiative, it is as well to remember that in turn the State has to rely on the character of its constituents. What does seem, however, a justifiable anticipation is that, having demonstrated under a supreme test their great stake in the. country, the workers shall have that stake recognised at the first opportunity. Others have hitherto (Sought to monopolise such consideration, but they must now realise their own stake is indistinguishable from that of the workers.