INDUSTRIAL PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23692, 27 December 1938, Page 10

INDUSTRIAL PEACE

HARMONIOUS RELATIONS THE NEED FOR GOODWILL APPEAL BY NEW MINISTER MUCH UNNECESSARY FRICTION (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Dec. 26. A statement was made by Mr P. C. Webb as Minister of Labour to-day concerning his policy in respect of the portfolio he has taken over and his administrative attitude towards employers and workers alike in the maintenance of industrial harmony and progress. "It is pleasing to note that industrial harmony is much more in evidence just now than in the past, but nevertheless there is still far too much friction that could well be avoided," Mr Webb said. " When employers and workers meet together and bring about an agreement providing all the machinery for dealing with disputes there is no justification for the pinpricking and stoppages of work that do so much harm. Mutual Obligations "I appeal to employers and workers alike to face up to their responsibilities. If companies and captains of industry expect to secure profitable returns from their industries they must

co-operate with their employees in a spirit of goodwill. They must also prevent some of their managers and pannikin bosses from ' throwing their weight about' and irritating their workmen to the point of exasperation. "On the other hand, the workers must realise, too, that if unionism is worth while at all they have got to live up to the spirit of it. Unionism means united and co-operative action on the part of members of unions, and, if a few irresponsible men in industrial unionism imagine that they can stop work and upset industry at'their own sweet will, then they have another think coming to them. "As Minister of Labour, it is my intention to co-operate to the fullest extent with the Federation of Labour in promoting the best interests of industry in this country, and I am confident that the federation will apply itself to disciplining those members who want to take the affairs of the federation and of their unions, in their own hands, and who desire to be the Government of the country at the same time. Many of these men have had little experience in union matters, and do not appreciate to the full their obligations to their comrades. Irresponsible Unionists "When the present Government came into office there were approximately 80,000 registered unionists. Today, we have over 250,000. Consequently, many of them have not a full appreciation of the trials and struggles that the older and more experienced unionists had to go through in order to bring about the social and industrial security they now all enjoy. The action of some irresponsible unionists in spasmodically stopping and upsetting the productive agencies of the country not only has a serious effect on our national production, which determines our standard of living, but also results in the stabbing of their own unions and the Government in the back at the same time.

" Stoppages of work in cases are justifiable only when the safety of the workers is concerned or where there is glaring victimisation. I would consider any body of men spineless who allowed their mates to be victimised, but victimisation does not mean the reprimanding of a worker or workers for ' swinging the lead' or refusing to do allotted work. I cannot imagine any set of employers embarking on a campaign of victimisation.

The Government's Desire " The Labour Government has established a record in improving working conditions and incomes, in many cases up to the highest level in the world, and when the Social Security Act comes into being on April 1 next year the workers of New Zealand will be placed on the highest plane in the industrial world. These conditions can be maintained and extended only by all the workers putting their full energy into their work. " Our desire is to help the New Zealand people to enjoy the maximum income and the minimum of working hours that every industry can afford, but we cannot take more out of the national income pool than we put into it We must increase production and we must avoid industrial friction." Tribute to Predecessor Referring to the portfolio of Labour, Mr Webb said that since taking it over he had made contact with the heads and staffs of the department. His first impression was their wonderful loyalty and affection for the former Minister. Mr Armstrong. - 'I feel sure," he added, " that if I receive half of the same loyal devotion I will consider myself very fortunate, indeed The portfolio of Labour has never been popular because it is associated with industrial friction. The foundation of a great work has, however, been well and truly laid by Mr Armstrong, and on that foundation I hope to build. "In the first place the question of employment was one that had to be faced, and several thousands of men were given work on Scheme No 13, the major portion of the waces being paid by the department. The men have been employed largely through the local bodies and. while much of their labour may not be considered productive, they nevertheless have rendered excellent service to the Dominion. Roads are being made, and many amenities provided or greatly improved. Moreover, the men so employed have earned the money they have goi. In order lhat the whole question may be investigated we have decided to carry on Scheme No. 13 until January 28, when the position will be reviewed. Seasonal Occupations "Then there is the question of seasonal occupations. It is receiving serious attention. I have got into contact with the New Zealand Farmers Union through its secretary. Mr A. P. O'Shea, expressing my wish for the union's co-operation in assisting the employment division of the department to nrovide the number and class of labo'ur required. Mr O'Shea has agreed to recommend his executive committees throughout New Zealand to meet in conference the heads of the employment divisions and representatives of the Public Works Department to ascertain the number of men that will be required for harvesting or other seasonal farm work. This will enable the placement officers to make essen-

tial preparation ahead for supplying the labour needed. Mr Semple. as Minister of Public Works, has already stated that men on public works will be released for harvesting without losing their status as public works employees." Must Play the Game Reverting to the necessity for everyone to play the game in maintaining and developing industry, Mr Webb said that the type of man who refused to play his full part was no good either to the Labour movement or to the country as a whole. "He will receive no consideration from my officers," the Minister added. " but workers who pull their weight and play the game—and they constitute the great majority—will have every ounce of my time and energy in an effort to improve theii lot. " One final word to the captains of industry. Many of them have charged their guns to blow into smithereens the Government they cannot defeat at the polls. Some of them have adopted irritating methods, such as transferring capital to other countries. New Zealand was good enough for them to make their money in, and they should play the game by the people and their Government. It is a duty to help to develop New Zealand's resources and provide a good standard of working conditions. Their unpatriotic action in sending capital abroad will get them nowhere. If they imagine that they can harpoon the Government by adopting such tactics they also ' have another think coming' to them. I have every confidence in the future, and I feel certain that, if we puil together, we can make New Zealand the industrial and social paradise of the world."