INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26853, 18 August 1948, Page 6

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

REPORT TO DUNEDIN CHAMBER GENERAL DESIRE FOR UNITY “Deep down there is a desire in both employer and employee for unity. Towards this end, a lead can be given by the executive section of the community, which by virtue of its position is enabled to display and demonstrate qualities of patience, tolerance and understanding, which will draw out similar qualities' in others.” These words concluded a lengthy, report on industrial relations which was presented to the council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce at its meeting last night. The report, which is a lengthy and very comprehensive one, covering all phases of employer-employee relations and harmony in business, took 11 months to prepare. The chairman congratulated Mr R. S. McKenzie and those responsible for the work they had put into its compilation. After its presentation by Mr McKenzie, as convener of the Industrial Relations Committee, and its adoption by the chamber, the president, Mr A. C. Stephens, said he felt that this was the type of subject to which the chamber . hould devote its attention. “It is something constructive and of real benefit to the community,” he said. “If we are instrumental in inducing some manufacturers to adopt some of the ideas embodied in this >-eport, then we will have done some good. If we can do anything to break down hostility, then we Will have achieved something.” The report is the work of five subcommittees of the main one, and in ♦he compilation of the information it contains, the view and impressions of both employers and employees were solicited. It is divided into five sections, and deals with employer and employee joint committees, personnel management, foremen in industry, incentive payments, and security on retirement. The report was taken section by section by a well-attended meeting of the council. It was finally decided to have the report printed and copies sent to the Prime Minister and-all members of Parliament, all Chambers of Commerce, Manufacturers’ Association, Importers and Shippers’ Association, the University, high schools, and a number of public and private bodies.