Discuss Relationship Of Employer, Employee

Northern Advocate, 20 November 1941, Page 10

Discuss Relationship Of Employer, Employee

[Special to “Northern Advocate”] WAIRAKEI, This Day. The New Zealand Manufacturers Federation Conference was continued yesterday when addresses were given by the Minister for Industries and Commerce (Mr. Sullivan), and the Minister for Labour (Mr. Webb). Mr. Webb gave a brief address and was present at the conference today. Several remits were dealt with yesterday. The conference discussed at length means of obtaining a better understanding and the fullest cooperation between employers and employees, following a remit from the Wellington association. En Different Camps Mr. J. H. Whittaker stated that in the past employers and employees had been in different camps and this was not conducive to success in industry. Manufacturers were doing their best to overcome this. The suggestion that a small committee should be set up was made by Mr. W. J. Truscott, of Auckland. Mr. S. Reid, of Auckland, said it paid a firm handsomely to look after its employees, as they gave it all back in service. _ Both Blameworthy The president of the Dunedin Association (Mr. J. C. H. Somerville), said employers should give their staffs the idea that they were working with the firm and not for it. The need to educate young workers as to their responsibilities in industry was stressed by Mr. J. Hogg, of Dunedin. Other members agreed, although it was pointed out that it was just as necessary to educate the employer. Many delegates quoted examples of efforts made by their own firms to improve relationships and all expressed keen appreciation of the value of a good staff.