FREEZING INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 18

FREEZING INDUSTRY

AVOIDANCE OF FRICTION AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE WORKS' EFFICIENCY COUNCIL SUGGESTED CFbom Our Parliamentary Kepohxeri WELLINGTON, Oct. 4. - Proposals aimed at a better understanding ana avoidance of friction in the freezing industry have been made by a conference of representatives of freezing companies and the iNew Zealand freezing Workers' Association held in Wellington this weeii. A Works' Efficiency Council, to meet once a fortnight, and a National Council whose function jhall be the sealing of any disputes arising between the parties, are suggested. The conference followed discussions by the Minister of Labour. Mr P. C. Webb, in the past few weeks with representatives of the employers and workers. "The conference, which in the initial stages was presided over by the Minister, revealed an earnest desire on the part of both sides to come closer together with the object of removing any obstacles in the way of maintaining and further increasing the output during the present struggle," says a statement issued to-day. "Notwithstanding that considerable improvement was shown in the output last season, it is desired that further en-, deavours be made to assist the Dominion's war effort and ensure that food supplies shall be available for the fighting forces, and also for the civilian population in Great Britain where the need is so urgent." The full proposals of the conference will be referred by the Minister to the Industrial Emergency Council for consideration of the question of embodying them in the regulations under the Emergency Regulations Act. The proposal is that the Works Efficiency Council shall comprise a works board of control, with representatives of the management, the district union secretary to be ipso facto a member. Among the objects of the council a~e the promotion and maintenance of harmonious relationship between the companies and their employees, and discussion of any suggestions for the smoother running or more efficient conduct of operations at the works. A particular duty suggested is the consideration of the practical application of any suggestions by either side for the conduct of works operations. The council, if set up, will also discuss alterations found necessary due to any change of method called for by the trade. The employers, it is proposed, will pay the time of the workers attending meetings or attending to matters arising out of the council. A provision is that it shall not be competent for any works efficiency council to adopt any measure conflicting with the provisions of the freezing workers' award unless such alteration has been approved by the Freezing Workers' Association. The constitution of the national council, whose function is the settlement of any disputes, is three representatives from each side, the meeting? to be held within 14 days after reference to the dispute. Failing a settlement the dispute may be referred by either party to the Arbitration Court during or after the hearing of the dispute. Arrangements, it is proposed, may be made for experts from both sides to assist the court in arriving at its decision. Sincere appreciation of the assistance given by the representatives at the conference to reach "such a satisfactory agreement" was expressed by the Minister.