EMPLOYERS AND MEN URGED TO CO-OPERATE FOR PROSPERITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17881, 24 June 1926, Page 15

EMPLOYERS AND MEN URGED TO CO-OPERATE FOR PROSPERITY.

MR SNOWDEN SAYS “ GET TOGETHER.” LONDON, June 23. Two speeches which are likely to be landmarks in the coal dispute were delivered yesterday. Mr Philip Snowden said the trade union idea had been one of antagonism to the employers. “We have got to change that,” he said, “ and get the workmen to realise that they are partners in industry, I would like to see the policy changed so that the unions would not be concerned merely in getting the highest wages thev can screw out of an industry, but rather helping to make the industry* efficient so that the money will be there from which the highest wages can be paid. The attitude of employers who say that workmen are paid to work and not to think must also be altered. The employers must cease discouraging a higher output by not sharing the profits from such.” He appealed to the employers and workers to get together and create a new era of prosperity. Lord Birkenhead said the Government had not been anxious to take sides. He held that its language throughout the negotiations had been as harsh to the owners as to the men, “ but as far as my experience goes the fault has beep entirely with those who will not consider the least concession. Neither the Prime Minister nor the Angel Gabriel would be able to reach a settlement so long as he had to deal with such a man as Mr Cook. I and my colleagues are determined, if driv en to the necessity by this attempt at blackmail by men who declare they have a stranglehold on the vital chords of industry, that we shall again sorrow fully, but resolutely, gird ourselves for a great struggle. We shall not permit the nation tr> be dectrnved.”