Pleased With F.O.L. Action

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31080, 8 June 1966, Page 1

Pleased With F.O.L. Action

(New Zealand Preet Aetociation) WELLINGTON, June 7. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) has told the president of the Federation of Labour (Mr T. E. Skinner) that he is glad the F.O.L. is recommending to its affiliates that negotiations be reopened with the Tongariro contractors.

“1 am glad to have your assurance and look forward to an early resumption of negotiation,” Mr Holyoake said in a letter to Mr Skinner. “In your letter you emphasise the phrase of my letter to you: ‘lt is certainly not an effort on the part of the Government to interfere with the legitimate right of trade unions.’ “In your last paragraph you say: ‘With this assurance from the Prime Minister that the democratic rights of the trade unions to bargain freely with their employers is not interferred with by the Government . . .’ etc. “Lest there should be some misunderstanding between us,

1 feel I should make ft clear once again that the Government does not consider the conditions set out in Mr Allen’s (Minister of Works) letter of April 12 are an infringement of the legitimate rights of trade unions. “The Government will still require before a contract will be let to Codelfa-Cogofa, that there must be an agreement between the contractors and the federation acting on behalf of all unions concerned, which complies with the condition set out in Mr Allen's letter of April 12. “I am sure that you appreciated this point in writing to me, but know you share my anxiety to avoid misunderstanding,” said Mr Holyoake.