"STRATFORD EVENING POST" TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1929. LABOUR IN AUSTRALIA.

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 62, 19 March 1929, Page 4

"STRATFORD EVENING POST" TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1929. LABOUR IN AUSTRALIA.

AT THE Industrial Conference held in Wellington last year, the Now Zealand Employers’ Federation officially expressed the opinion that the Arbitration Act has given us a greater measure of industrial peace than has been enjoyed by any oilier British community during the period of its operation. While admitting the rigidity of the arbitration system and the difficulties it involves, its valuable services in the cause : of industrial peace will be frankly recognised hy both employers and employees, including the breaking down of the old hostility of employers to trade unions, and producing a friendly atmosphere of collective bargaining. Unfortunately the reverse is the case in Australia, and in recent years the country has witnessed one industrial upheaval after another, culminating in open defiance of arbitration awards. Apart from any weaknesses in the system, there exists in Australia a strong body of extremists, whose sole objeit appears to he to render the industrial system entirely unworkable rather than to render assistance in the promotion of industrial peace. The position lias been cogently summed up by an Australian paper, which cannot in any sense be classified as a supporter of capitalism against labour. Labour, it states, , when it first became a political force

to he’ reckoned with in Australia, i had several assets which it has lost’ with the passing of the years. It had able and far-sighted leaders, a strong sense of patriotism, a clear view of its aims, as much unity and discipline as is possible in a Degressive party, a high degiee of self-respect and a reputation for straightforwardness and honesty. It could face a crisis of any magnitude with dignity and determination Things are different to-day. An .industrial upheaval exhibits in the ranks of what is supposed to he an

organised movement, as mcuh dissension, disunity, disobedience, and scurrying around at cross purposes could happen if all the* leaders bad di'cpped dead, and all the multifarious unions, federations, and councils had been abolished. The typical Labour leader of to-day invariably does bis best to make a strike ps big as possible, threatening the community and the Government with dire reprisals if his demands are not at 'once acceded to. Scarcely a leader of Labour dare utter a word pf remonstrance when strikers make Violent attacks jon workers. On the contrary if any attempt is made to restrain the zeal of unionist rioters, there is an 'outpouring cf indignant protest. Not a single leader of Labour in recent years has dared to express the opinion that agreements should be honoured that awards should be obeyed, and that a fair day’s work should he

given for a fair day’s wage. Arbitration in New Zealand is not' compulsory as the Act applies only 'to

i such Industrie unions as are registered under, the Act, and such registration is voluntary. The long list cf industrial upheavals on the “other side” confirms the opinion that compulsory arbitration aas proved a failure there, and no doubt the majority of employers and the moderate section cf workers would welcome a more effective method of adjusting industrial differences. It is therefore hoped the Commonwealth Industries Conference which has recently been initiated, will be attended by valuable results, because cf the opportunity it affords for clearing away misconceptions, and prejudices, and facilitating more amicable relations between employ ers and workers.