INDUSTRIAL NEEDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23470, 6 October 1939, Page 8

INDUSTRIAL NEEDS

SETTLING DISPUTES EMERGENCY PROCEDURE AVOIDANCE OF STOPPAGES [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] AVETJ/rXCTOX, Thursday .Regulations which prohibit strikes or lockouts, but which provide machinery for the settlement of industrial disputes, have been adopted, according to a statement made to-night by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb. It was vitally necessary, he said, that there should he no restriction of production in this fime of emergency. "Nothing should happen to restrict the fullest possible supply of goods," the Minister said. "In this period of j emergency it is necessary that all. should play their part, whether employers or workers. Any stoppage by | workers or any action by employers which might cause a stoppage should be avoided at a time when all are engaged in a common cause. Strikes or Lockouts Barred "It is to be expected, however, that in any circumstances disputes will arise," he continued. "Regulations under the Emergency Regulations Act have been adopted and these regulations, while prohibiting any strike or lockout, provide machinery for dealing with any dispute that occurs. "The Minister of Labour has power to set up an emergency disputes committee, consisting of not more than three representatives of employers and three representatives of workers, with | a chairman. In. the event of a dispute arising the Minister may reler the matter in dispute to a disputes committee provided for in an award or industrial agreement, and if no decision is reached the matter may then be referred to the Emergency Disputes Committee set up under the regulations. If no provision is made in the relative award or industrial agreement for a disputes committee, the matter may be referred to the Emergency Disputes Committee for decision. Meeting New Conditions "I would like to say here that I am pleased with the fine spirit shown and the response made by workers throughout the Dominion to assist in meeting the needs arising out of the war, ' Mr. Webb said. "Reports have been received disclosing that workers through then organisations have met employers and adjusted conditions where the circumstances have made this necessary. "Chano-in" conditions are bound to occur and I am anxious that any adjustments that may be necessary shall be considered in the friendliest spirit between both sides, in order that any resulting sacrifice may be fairly distrihutcd Radical changes may not be necessary, but from time to time certain matters will arise that will require to be settled if the resources of the Dominion are to be utilised to the* fullest extent."