Mr Shand Deplores Job Action For Higher Pay

Press, Volume C, Issue 29505, 5 May 1961, Page 14

Mr Shand Deplores Job Action For Higher Pay

(Neto Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 4. The statement that the Federation of Labour conference favoured job action to secure higher wages appeared to be a declaration of hostility to the Arbitration Court and lack of faith in the conciliation and arbitration system, the Minister of Labour (Mr Shand) said today. “Since its Inception, the Federation of Labour has stood firmly behind the policy of conciliation and arbitration,” Mr Shand said “The greatest example of this was in 1951 when the federation opposed direct action by waterside workers which was taken in defiance of the Court. “The sense of responsibility shown by the federation at that time contrasts sharply with the attitude expressed in the press report. “For many years the Federation of Labour has been widely regarded within and w’ithout the trade union movement as a very responsible body looking after the interests of decent lawabiding citizens. “The report which appeared in today's press comes, therefore, as a great shock to me, as I am sure it will to the community at large. “In spite of what has appeared in newspapers I still believe that this is no more representative of the opinions of the true leaders ot the trade union movement than it is of public opinion in New Zealand.

“The New Zealand public, which is proud of the Arbitration Court and of the history of our country in the field of labour relations, will not regard favourably a declaration of policy which, if put into effect, will systematically undermine and destroy the established system.”