NO ACTION BY LABOUR FEDERATION ON MARCH AGAINST PRICES

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 April 1950, Page 5

NO ACTION BY LABOUR FEDERATION ON MARCH AGAINST PRICES

WELLINGTON, Last Night (PA). No action was taken by the annual conference of the Federation of Labour on a recommendation by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants that the conference should set up a committee to assist trades councils in organising demonstrations in the main centres in favour of price reductions. The A.S.R.S. had asked that such demonstrations should, if possible, coincide with the opening of Parliament. After considering several remits on price control, the conference determined 'to seek legislation which would base prices on efficient units of industry in New Zealand and cover all commodities and limit profits. For the purpose of reducing prices the Federation will press for control of prices, "so that the workers get the benefit of any wages increases resulting from the Federation’s efforts." Remits were received from various national unions asking that the Federation seek a wage increase of £2 a week, but the Federation has already sought a general order increasing wage rates by £2 5s a week, or Is 3d an hour. The national executive was instructed to state a case 'to the Government for review of pensions and social security benefits generally to bring them into conformity with the rise which the Federation considers has occurred in the cost of living. The Government will be asked to introduce legislation to control and limit profits effectively. The Federation was asked by the New Zealand Engineering Workers’ Union to define its attitude towards all forms of incentive payments. The conference adopted a resolution declaring: "That in view of the Government’s policy, we recommend that no bonus or contract or incentive payment of any kind be agreed to without the consent of the union concerned.”

The national executive was instructed to report to affiliations on the Stabilisation and the Minimum Wage Act. The conference affirmed and will actively agitate for, implementation of the principle of equal pay for women when engaged on jobs similar to 'those of men.