THE EMPLOYMENT BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1930, Page 8

THE EMPLOYMENT BOARD.

There is no need to regard with too much importance the statements that large bodies of organised labour are boycotting the Employment Board that is to be set up in accordance witli the legislation of the last session of Parliament. As is generally known, an effort has been made ill the new Act to make the board representative of all sections of the community, including organised labour. The various trades unions have been asked to nominate suitable candidates for appointment to the board, but the Government will, of course, make the final selection from those nominated. It is obvious that such responsibility must remain with the Administration. The whole system of government in this country depends upon Ministerial responsibility, subject to the discipline of the electorate if a policy is not approved of. This apparently does not suit some of the “bosses” of certain labour organisations. They are under the impression that the choice of Employment Board members should rest with labour unions and the Alliance of Labour and the Federated Seamen’s Union have decided to have nothing to do with the board and to send no nominations for the labour representation thereon. It is a pity that there should be any conflict of opinion among labour organisations. The work of the Employment Board will be sufficiently difficult even if it has all the support that every section of the community can give, but if thoste to whose benefit its efforts will be chiefly directed will not do their best to assist there seems little hope of the board meeting with success. Probably the malcontents do not represent the general body of wage-earhers, who are sensible enough to see that the new 'legislation regarding employment is an experiment, and a fairly costly one at that. They know that there are serious doubts as to whether the endeavour to solve the problem of unemployment is sound —doubts that are held by those who passionately desire that a solution may be found. The country is willing to tax itself in order that new methods may be tried. It has the right to demand that organised labour shall do its part in return. It may be that to do its share will mean that labour must make certain sacrifices. So must other sections of the community, whether they like it or not. The attitude of the unions that are dissatisfied with the proposed board is more that of pettish children than of leaders of men.