F.O.L. Intentions On Voluntary Unionism

Press, Volume C, Issue 29503, 3 May 1961, Page 12

F.O.L. Intentions On Voluntary Unionism

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 2. While it had to be admitted that the present Government had been elected decisively, there appeared to be good enough reason to believe that not all who voted tot the Government voted tor voluntary unionism, the president of the Federation of Labour iMr F. P. Walsh) told the annual conference of the federation today. Some of the voters would be opposed to compulsory unionism, but there were others who were not the slightest bit interested in whether unionism was compulsory or voluntary. Then there were a large number who did not vote and obviously many of these had previously supported the Labour Party and also supported compulsory unionism. Mr Walsh said that most employers were in favour of compulsory unionism because fewer strikes occurred under that system. Mr Walsh said there had been a lot of “double talk” about compulsory unionism and from Ministerial comments it appeared likely there would be an “escape clause” in the legislation. The Government would not disapprove of compulsion in those unions which were strong enough to impose compulsion. “It is not very hard to see what is really behind the Government’s proposal,” Mr Walsh said. “The real concern of the National Party is to prevent the Labour Party getting funds from the unions."

Mr Walsh said that if the Government was sincere in wishing to act in accordance with the United Nations Charter it should relieve workers of all economic or it gal pressure designed to prevent them from joining unions. “If the Government is going to abolish compulsory membership of unions, it should take the further logical step and exclude those who were not members from profiting by . wfc «t the union secures! by* negotiating an award. “There will undoubtedly be a difficult period of transition when the Government's intentions are put into effect,” Mr Walsh said. “The Federation of Labour does not want to see industrial Strife far.it knows, better than members of the Go’/emtnent could know, the disastrous effects, strike and unemployment are : faced . with thik ipsa ;«f what has been won in the past, there can be only one answer, they. , must protect =r >«><«■ eSeetiveTiMeSe Xsle In awards, and the council of the Federation of Labour has authorised the executive to take all necessary action to enforce a preference clause making it mandatory on employers to engage union members only”