AWARD DISPUTES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20844, 30 June 1939, Page 10

AWARD DISPUTES

CONCERN OF GOVERNMENT NO RIGHT TO DIRECT ACTION LEGISLATION PROPOSED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday “ Parties concerned in award proceedings had the advantage of the Arbitration Court as arbitrator, and could not claim the right to direct action.” the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. G. Webb, said to-day. They had no right to both courses, and the Government proposed to introduce legislation this session seltling the question for organisations that would not decide the matter for themselves. Mr Webb said the Government viewed with grave concern the methods being adopted by various organisations in regard to industrial disputes. II should he distinctly understood that the acceptance of the benefits provided by the Government under the Arbitration Act necessarily implied the adoption of the machinery therein prescribed for the settlement of industrial disputes, and the unconditional acceptance of the decision of the court on matters that could not be settled by agreement in yie Conciliation Council. The adoption of direct action by either workers or employers was absolutely contrary to the principles of conciliation and arbitration, and the Government could not agree that where decisions of constitutional tribunals were not acceptable to either party, such party was entitled to refuse to abide by such decisions and resort to direct action to attain its objectives. Organisations must decide whether they wish to have the conciliation and arbitration system,'with its attendant benefits, or be outside the I.C. and A. Act, and have the right to resort 10 direct action. They could not have both. SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES STOPPAGES IN 'INDUSTRY (By TeJeeraDa. —Pr*»ss Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday The serious consequences of "the frequent stoppages in industry were referred to by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, during the Imprest Supply 'Bill debate in the House of Representatives today. ll© said that one would expect peace in industry under a Labour Government, but the fact was that there had been more industrial unrest than ever beTore. Mr Hamilton added that during the past three months there had been 20 stoppages in industry. These stoppages were now averaging two a week, and in all cases major industries were affected. The Arbitration 'Court had been a feature of the La'bour Government's policy, but the flouting of awards made it practically noneffective.