THE ARBITRATION SYSTEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18766, 20 January 1923, Page 13

THE ARBITRATION SYSTEM

WELLINGTON TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL. AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL. (Per United Press Association.) January 19. An important proposal is being launched by j;he Wellington Trades and Labour Council for the formation of a Trades and Labour Councils’ Federation, one of tho special objects being to maintain the system of arbitration as a moans of settling industrial disputes. This afternoon Mr .7, Read (president of the Trades and Labour Council) said the reasons adduced for the formation of the proposed federation were: 1. That no special application had been made by any nationally organised Labour body to deal with Labour legislation since the cessation of activities of the old National Trades Councils’ Federation. 2. It was thought to bo imperatively necessary that Labour should devote itself to tho idea of improving the dominion’s Labour legislation generally, and of urging tno removal of defects where these are found. 3. To endeavour to repeal the laws or portions, of the laws which are found to be to the disadvantage of Labour, and, generally speaking, to work in a constitutional manner for the improvement of the position of the workers as a whole. "In addition to this,” said Mr Read, ‘'is me fact that those unions which are pri marily disposed to adhere to tho Arbitration Act have no national organisation to act as a guide for their representatives on me Arbitration Court. This is a shortcoming that shpuld bo overcome, and one which certainly has been overcome by the employers in New Zealand. In this respect the employers have given a load latterly to the unions registered under the Industrial and Conciliation Arbitraton Act. In the opinion of tho Wellington Trades and Labour Council a more permanent gain can be secured by this method than by any other which has been advocated during the last 16 years. Legislation obtained by this method under a somewhat sympathetic Government has remained, while the gains secured by other means very frequently have been taken away when adverse conditions have arisen. Tho council is proposing to take steps immediately to got into touch with the Trades Councils in other centres of tho dominion with a view of the reorganisation of tho old federation, ana wo are hoping to secure the hearty co-operation of the other centres.”