EMPLOYERS' FEDERATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2744, 17 October 1906, Page 65

EMPLOYERS' FEDERATION.

WELLINGTON, October 10. Tho Employers' Federation Conference, which opened io-day in Wellington, is being 1 held in camera. Resolutions were passed protesting against preference of employment being given to unionists, and in favour of the- employment of improvers when provision is made in an award for the engagement of apprentices. It was decided that, as Conciliation Boards had not in the past been of advantage to either employees or employers, future disputes should, if conferences failed to bring about a settlement, be carried direct to the Arbitration Court. The Government is to be a6ked to insert a new clause in the Conciliation and Arbitration Act providing that reference to tho board or court phall not be made by a union unless it has the concurrence of a majority of the workers engaged in the particular industry within the industriai district. Mr W. Pryor was appointed organising secretary to the federation. October 11. At the Employers' Conference to-day it was decided not to take any action with reference to the letter written by Mr Tregear to Mr Benson, to the effect that the workers of the colony were being robbed. The conference condemned Mr Tregear's action, and expressed the feeling that the Government, as now constituted, would not allow its functions in matters of the good government of the people as a "whole to drift from itself into the hands^of mere officialism. The conference confirmed the principle that a salary should be paid to both the employers' and workers' representatives on the Afbitration Court. A motion was also passed approving of the amendment in section' 11 of the Industrial and Conciliation Act, allowing an appeal to bo made to the court against the registrar's action in registering a union or an association in a trade where a union or an association already exist. A resolution was passed expressing the opinion _ that the Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act should be amended to cover all claims arising- under the Employers' Liability Act and tho common law. Mr Thos. Ballingrer, of Wellington, was elected president.

NELSON. The following is a copy of the annual tepcrfc of the New Zealand Employers' Federation submitted to l.ho annual ffpneral meeting held at Wellington on the 9th: — The General Executive has pleasure in presenting this, the fourth annual report on the work of the federation. At the last annual meeting held in Wellington, on September 6 of last year, a new constitution was drawn up and passed. The altered conditions brought about by the new constitution have proved a decided step in 1 advance, though one or two minor alterations ( will require to be made to facilitate business. In this connection the Advisory Committee has invited opinions from the various associations, and will submit proposals to the annual meeting. Under the new constitution the affairs of the federation are now managed by an Executive Committee constituted as follows: — Four representatives each from the Auckland Wei- I lington, Canterbury, and Otago Associations; ) one fepreeentative from each of the smaller associations; and one representative each from each trades federation contributing to the funds of the federation. This representation, together with the officers appointed a' the annual meeting, makes an executive of 30 members representing all parts of tho colony. During the year the Marlborough Association has dropped out and a. new association, that of North Otago, has joined, thus leaving the strength of the federation much the same as last year. The complete list is as follows: Associations — Auckland Wellington, Canter- -. bury, Otago, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Wai- ' rarapa, Taranaki, Wsjiganui, Nelson, North Otago, and Southland; trades federations — New Zealand Builders' and New Zealand Bootmakers-. In addition to the Executive Committee there is also an Advisory Committee or board, which is composed of the four representatives on the General Executive, together with the officers of the federation who reside at the centra where the president is located. THe functions of this body are to advise the president and deal with all matters that require urgent attention. It lirs been found in practice that the taking of a, vote of the Executive Committee is a somewhat slow process; for members, instead of acting on their own initiative, wait until they can obtain the opinions of their associations, with the result that the Advisory Committee never knows when the voting is complete. Some slight alteration will be needed to facilitate the voting, otherwise the committee will be compelled to act without tho support of the General Committee. ) Under tho new conditions, the head office of the federation may be in any of the four large centres as decided at the annual general j meeting Last year it was decided that it | should bo in Dunedin under the presidency of Mr J. C. Thomson, with Mr William Scott as secretary (the president and secretary respectively of the Otago Emp.oycrs' j Association). j Since taking over the reins of office in November of last year, the Advisory Committee has held 14 meetings. Copies of the minutes of these meetings, together with copies of important correspondence arjfl circulars have been sent regularly to every mem- j ber of the executive or to the associations affiliated with the federation, instead of only to the large centres as formerly. This has been appreciated by the smaller c?s>ociations, which have thus been kept in const rut touch with even-thing that was going on. It also afforded them opportunities for meeting to discuss the various matters dealt with. In this connection the Advisory Committee is pleased to acknowledge the thanks it has received from the various affiliated bodies. Resolutions of Last Conference. Indenture Forms — The resolution that was passed last year, recommending all employers to discountenance in every way in their power the antiquated system of indentures, and to support the certificate system as initiated by the Arbitration Court, has been generally complied with, and indentures aie i now practically a thing of the past. In all the recent awards the certificate system has been applied for by employers, and granted by the court. In many instances it was agreed to by the workers' unions. The new system appears to be working well, and so far no complaints^have been lodged against it. Industrial Agreements. — The recommendation of the federation to all employers to consult the local association before entering into any private agreement has been generally observed, and with the best results. In the past it was found that points of very little importance in one trade were of great importance in another, which suffered in consej quence of their having been conceded in the first instance. Now, this is almost entirely done away with, employers finding that in protecting one another they are best protecting themselves. _ j I Preference of Employment to Unionists — • This vexed question is in much th-» same

position as when' last discussed by the federation. The various employers before the court have loyally obeyed the recommendations cf the federation and opposed the clause m every case. The court, however, still continues to grant preference along the line 3of the old awards, but has, so far, qualified it so as not to be oppressive to employers, provided they take ordinary precautions. Recently the question has been made more acute by the Trades and Labour Councils of the colony at their lest conference demanding unconditional preference ; hitherto their claim has been for statutory preference. "What unconditional preference means is shown by the remarks of one of the labour leaders when addressing himself to the question at a recent meeting in Wellington. He said: "Say they had 1000 men employed on the "Wellington wharves, of whom. 700 were unionists and 300 non-unioniats. Immediately they had compulsion these 300 ■would come in, if they desired to get employment ; but the employer had the same ground for operation as he had before they joined, when he took his choice, and thus the preference benefit immediately went. That could only be overcome by making a certain condition, giving the union the right of excluding anyone it thought fit. They must have the riglit to exclude because if they got all the men into the ranks of the union no preference cou'cU exist." Ihis, then, is tho aim of the Labour party— to make all their unions close corporations. Your executive is of Ike opinion that this most dangerous demand should bo strenuously opposed, and at any cost. Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act. — The proposal of last conference, " io insist upon rll those desiring employment to produce & doctor's certificate from » medical man selected by the employer and at the expense of the employee," has bsen given effect to m part only, although a great many public companies are now insisting upon it, and in the opinion of your executive it is only a matter of timo when it wih be universally adopted Owing to the change in the executive officers of the Parliamentary Committee, it has not been possible to deal with the further resolution— " That the federation requests the incoming Parliamentary Committee to consider the question of assurance to formulate a scheme whereby the worker may be permanently insured; the premium to l>3 contributed by the employer, the worker, and the State in such proportion as may be just, and that the comnmtce obtains actuarial asistance, if considered necessary, to help it in its calcu ations, and to report to this executive. The executive is of the opinion that a sub-committee, consisting of persons who have given the questior special attention, should be set up to give effect to the foregoing resolution. Holidays.— The desirability of curtailing the many odd holid*ys a.nd of observing them as far aa possible on Mond«ys. and of bringing the banks into line with tho business oominunitv in connection therewith, has not been loet sight cf; but owing to the pressure on the Legislature last session, and the changes in the Government this year, it was not deemed advisable to move in the matter. Ihe executive recommends that this question should now be taken up by the Parliamentary Committee with a view to having legislation passed to meet the wishes of members. General. | Parliamentary Committee.— The executive has again much pleasure in acknowledging the indebtedness of every employer of labour to the good work done by this committee. One almoat dreads to thmk cf the consequences that might have followed many of the bills affecting trades and labour had it not bean for the vigilance of tho secretary and members of this committee. Owing to Parliament meeting so late this year, a, detailed statement of the work cannot be given, but will probably be made to members by a supplementary report. Immediately after tho last annual meeting, Mr H. Field, the secretary of the federation, who also acted as "secretary to the Parliamentary Committee, resigned his connection with the federation to reside permanently in England. Mr Field took a prominent part in the formation of the local association and the federation, the success of both bodies being largely due to his efforts. By tho local association he was given a send-off to which many members of the federation contribute:!. It was left to tho Parliamentary Committee to appoint its own secretary to succeed Mr Field, but that body found some difficulty in getting a suitable man for the position, and to reported to tho Advisory Committee. This committee in turn also found tho position difficult to fill, owing to th£ remuneration proposed being insufficient to tempt any person with tho necessary qualifications. It was found necessary, indeed, to depart somewhat from the conditions as laid down by the annual meeting. Eventually, and after • a considerable amount of correspondence between tho two committees, it wan decided to offer the position to Mr William Pryor, of Dunedin, at a. salary of £200 per annum; Mr Pryor to attend in Wellington during the sittings of Parliament and devote his whole time to the work of the Parliamentary Committee, and during tho recess to assist the work of the federation aa far aa possibles in conjunction with any other work ho might see fit to engage in. Tho Advisory Committee is of the opinion that in Mr Prycr the federation has a capable and energetic officer, and bespeaks for him the assistance and support of all members. Organising Secretary. — During the past few months tho Advisory Committee has again and again been appealed to by affiliated associations and employers in the outlying districts for information and assistance, but it has been impotent to do more than has been done by correspondence through the secretary. In one or two instances Mr Pryor volunteered his services, -which were readily accepted by the committee, who fully appreciates tho gcocl work done, by him, especially in connection with his brief vi.'it 3to Inverrargill and Oamaru. In ths former instance ho was able to lend considerable assistance in •tienfrthenu.g the local association, and in the latter m forming a new association which promises to be a live and vigorous body. The need of an organmi.g secretary is urgent, and your executive trusts that something may bo clone to meet this great need at tho forthcoming conference. Premier's Coiifc-reuee —In 'October of last year the then Premier proposed to hold a eonfeience of leiyrcsentativoa from the various Employers' Associations, Farmer*' Unions, Trade Associations, and Trades ami Labour Councilb with a view to di*>cu a sing all matters affecting trade, including the tariff, labour laws, etc. A considerable amount of correspondence passed between the Government and tho Advisory Committee, after which a vote of tho associations was taken, with thv> following result: — For: Canterbury, Napier, and Masterton ; agams-t : Auckland, Wanganui, Wellington, Xel&on, Otago, and Southland. At this juncture, however, official intimation was received that the conference had been abandoned, and consequently no action wa3 taken in the matter. Closing of Railway Goods ShecU.— The amendment of the railway regulations which fixed .the closing of the railway gates at 4.^0

p.m., in place of 5 p.m., as formerly, although protested against by the business commnnicy, has been adhered to. In the opinion of your executive the closing of the gates at 4.30 p.m. is not in the interests of trade, and should be resented. To this end the matter has "been referred to the annual conference. Trades and Labour Council's Kesolutions.-— The 65 resolutions of the Trades and Labour Council, as passed fit the yearly conference which met in Christchurch in April last, were of such a drastic nature that the Advisory Committee, with the support of the members of the General Executive, drew up and published a manifesto protesting against .the great majority of the resolutions passed 1 . The executive is pleased to note th*i iha manifesto has accomplished one desirable end, and that is that it has drawn from the Trades Councils air open Acknowledgment of the extreme Socialism of the Labour party's propaganda. Hitherto, it has been covert and hidden, now it has been exposed to- the. light of the day, so that he who runs mayread. ' Mr Tregear's Letter.— Pcing of the opinion that tho extremely Socialistic views held by Mr Tregear, and given expression to in a letter written by him, and published in tha Beacon, could not be lightly passed over, the Advisory Conimittea forwardsd ' copies to all mem hers of the executive for an expression of opinion. In every instance ihe replies were in condemnation of a person holding the views therein expressed occupying so responsible a position as ihat of secretary of labour. In consequence of so unanimous an opinion, the committee forwarded 1 a stronalvworded protest to the Premier, tho Hon. Wm Sfd Tb »M™ ist °?* reply was evaaiva and most unsatisfactory. The matter a therefore referred to the annual meeting with a recommendation that it should be reconsidered and, if thought necessary, further action taken in the matter. No Power to Deal With Begistrar.— In con. nection with the Industrial Conciliation ««i §mmm inft«Ttl ° f T the is to be found were cmvioi.d in tie Arbitration Ctait fS Ek ?F"* stskj *srsrtt rfy^ in the Magistrate's Court for the back wages, but the c«se was dismikorf Thl^u*? contra « t to work for a lower wage &! i r l srescnbed , f °r in an award. aZd then legal.y recover the difference. Front th« judgment, it would appear that the Arbitration Court has no poorer to deal with back wages and that th t , can be successfully sued for in the ordinary courts, even though tho Arbrfrrat-.on Court's award has b«eu violated by both the contracting parties. In the .ight of this case, it behoves employera to very c oseiy study all awards affecting their trade and to adhere to them to the letter The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration ,;, ? connec t»°n with the adininistrat-oa, of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbtration Act tho time has arrived which was anticfpa.ed by thoughtful people. The court now finds i+ac.f unable to further burden the industries of the colony by imposing on then* any further increases in wages, or sborter hours of work. Many employers consider that the court went too far in this direction before crying a halt. Be that as it may, the fact; remains, and -it is an important one, that a. halt has been called, for during ;he past 13 or 18 months no serious advances in the direotions indicated have been granted 1 . Awards have been made in connection with all the organised trades, and most of them have been reviewed by -the court from time to time. Discrepancies have been made good and blemishes have been removed, co that ''a the ordinary course of things, the awarda should now be what, for wa<nt of a better term, we might call standards." The court evidently treats them as such, and rightly insists on good and logical reasons for any alteration. The natural sequence to 10 years of arduous and painstaking- work on the parts of the court ahorid naturally bring abouti such a condition, and one that should commend itself -to all right-thinking persons, bufc evidently not with the Labour !ead«rs. Their ory now is " that the Arbitration Court has faMefl us," and some have raised the cry of " Back to Conciliation." while bolder Brants have gone further anct shouted " back to the good old days of strikes." Proposals have been made ti> Parliament to amend tho act in several directions. a.n3 emp'oyers mu<-f; see to it that in whatever direction amendments may come tb«y must be in tho direction of granting " unconditional preference with right *o exclude or of any further interference with personal liberty. The Farmers' Union. — Your executive desires to express its satisfaction at the growing importance of the Farmers' Union, and is pleased to notice that it is being led by abe and moderate-minded men. It is to be hoped that these two bodies, who have somuch in common, may prove factors in ihe maintenance of freedom, the rights of property, and the rights of individual as opposed to the Socialism of the a«e. Wa wish the Farmers' "Union success and prosperity, and hope that the day is not far distant when a. closer alliance with this federation will form a combination sufficiently strong to compel legislation to respect the rights of employers as wel! as of labour. In Condupion. — The work of the past, especially that of the last two years, shows that the New Zealand Emoloyers' Federation is a strong and vigorous- body, and one th%f> commanda respect. It was not established! before it was required, and its existence today is more justified than ever, for it host opposed to it a Labour party, well org»ui«ecl and strenuously aggressive, whose political platfo-rui is opooped to all who are outside the pale of organised Labour. The shibboleth and goal of the Labour party is Socialism, and consequently its alms are in opposition to the well-being of employers and the public generally. It is to meet this condition of things that Employers' Associations are being called into existence throughout? America, the United Kingdom, the colonies, and the Continent in numbers hitherto undreamt of. In view of the possibilities of the future, it is essential that the federation should bo loyally simported, and th« nna.«ces so strengthened as to be in a poai» Uou to meet any contingency..