EMPLOYEE v. EMPLOYER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26349, 2 January 1947, Page 6

EMPLOYEE v. EMPLOYER

Sir,—One cannot help but view with alarm the present situation bn the waterfront. Nor can we ignore the fact that other groups of workers are not satisfied with present-day conditions. As far as the average individual can read and hear, the general opinion seems to be that it is the worker who is at fault, because of his so-called exorbitant demands, but there are two sides to every question, and it can be suggested that it is pertinent to inquire what contribution the business man. the employer, is making towards a solution of the problem. Surely it is generally recognised that the endeavour to meet the increasing cost of living by the granting of higher wages is utterly futile, for this method never has nor never can reach the desired objective. The business executive lays the blame at the worker’s door never at his own, but it is a fact that it is he who can exert a powerful influence on the cost of living, for, it is he who decides what the selling price is to be. So to-day he faces a challenge to his courage and his ability. What answer has he? In every walk of life those who wish to reach the top of the tree have to be prepared to undertake a course of study and satisfy an examiner’s test. Why not an examination for managers, No 1 question to be, “ Give your definition of a successful business man ’’?—l am, etc., Timaru, December 31. Question Mark.