NO SUPPORT FOR ACTION AGAINST “CONTINUAL AGITATION”

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 November 1950, Page 4

NO SUPPORT FOR ACTION AGAINST “CONTINUAL AGITATION”

No support was given to Mr S. J. Sullivan by the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce last night when he ask* ed that measures to stop the “continual agitation for increases in wages throughout New Zealand” should be started by the chamber.

He said that if the £3 10s increase sought by the Auckland Labourers' Union, an application for which was to be lodged with the Arbitration Court by the Trade Unions Congress, were granted, there would be an increase of £75,000,000 a year in the Dominion’s pay cheque. “This continual requesting for wages increases cannot go on,” he said. “There is a spiral of wages and a decrease of output.” Mr C. E. Jeffs said that there was no doubt that employees should get more than that provided by the interim wage order. “The employee is entitled to an increase in pay.” The chairman, Mr G. G. Burgess: Wc cannot interfere with the rights of unions to seek extra wages. Mr Sullivan: We have to show the worker that he if cutting his own throat by asking for more money. Mr Burgess: Ail arguments against rises in wages are put forward in the Arbitration Court, and it is a matter outside our scope. Mr Sullivan: We should put the matter to the Associated Chambers of Commerce. They are duty Bound to support us.

The chamber decided not to support Mr Sullivan s suggestion.