SPASMODIC STRIKES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21211, 5 December 1938, Page 14

SPASMODIC STRIKES

DISGRUNTLED MINORITIES CHRISTCHURCH. December 3. “It is time disgruntled minorities in trade unions woke up and realised that in tormenting stupid comic opera strikes over trifles they are enemies to themselves, to their unions and to their country.” These were the words of the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple to-day, when he referred to the appeal being made by the Government for the co-operation of all sections of the community in an effort to increase production. The spasmodic strikes that had been experienced in the country did not come from the majority of members of the unions. 90 per cent of whom were loyal to their country and to their callings, said the Minister. Strikes over trifles came from a disgruntled minority, which wanted the most for the least effort. Such an attitude could not, and would not be tolerated by the Government that was doing the job to help New Zealand. “I do not want my words interpreted as an attack on trade unionism,” went on Mr Semple. “I am not Indicting unionism nor attacking the loyal workers who fortunately are in the majority. I am seeking, as one who has been through the mill and suffered for his principles, to give some advice to those short-sighted individuals, who cannot see that by the attitude which they adopt they are damaging unionism and destroying their own rights. “It may be said by my critics that the author of these words at one time took part in strikes himself,” continued Mr Semple. “My record will stand investigation and it will show that big issues were at stake when I was engaged in strikes. In those days unionism was outlawed and so were the men who joined unions. To-day conditions have been revolutionised. Unionism has been recognised, and has been given its rightful place in society. A Government that is friendly to the workers is in power. It will do its best to improve their standard of living, but it also wants the workers to play the game.”