REDUCING COSTS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1932, Page 5

REDUCING COSTS

N.Z. EMPLOYERS

REFERENCE IN ANNUAL COST.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.'

WELLINGTON, Nov. 2.

Reductions of costs effected through the amending I.C. and A. Act, including such reductions effected either through their new agreements, or simply through the cancelling of the existing awards without ariy new agreements to replace them, are referred to in the annual report of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation. The Federation says This amending Arbitration Act has been the most important event in the History of industrial relationships which has occurred for many years, either in this or any other country.' It was not anticipated by the responsible employers, that so revolutionary a change in the methods determining the conditions of employment, , including the wages, could be made without difficulties being encountered. Fortunately, although there have been difficulties, they are not, 'so far, very serious ofces. and it may be- naid that on the whole, the new system is working fairly satisfactorily. ! /

The report further says:—“lt is suite possible that - throats of industrial strife made at the time of the coming ino force of the amended Act had the effect of locking up of capital, and preventing any industrial expansion during the last few months. If agreements with some of the larger and more responsible workers’ organisations can be reached, it would go a long way to restore confidence and stimulate industrial and trade activity. On the other hand, the extension of strikes, which have been holding up certain industries recently, or the development of anything in the nature a? a general hold-up, can only increase the already heavy burden the Dominion is carrying, and further postpone any improvement in trauo conditions.”