FREEZING WORKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 85, 7 October 1940, Page 4

FREEZING WORKS

NEW ARRANGEMENT

EFFICIENCY COUNCIL

For the purpose of bringing about a better understanding and to avoid as far as possible any friction in the freezing industry, the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) recently held discussions with representatives of the employers and workers concerned. At the request of the Minister, a conference of representatives of the freezing companies and the executive of the New Zeaalnd Freezing Workers' Association was held this week in Wellington to endeavour to find a basis for a better understanding. The conference, which in the initial stages was presided over by the Minister, revealed an earnest desire on the part of both sides to come closer together with the object of removing any obstacles in the way of maintaining and further increasing output during the present struggle.

"Despite the fact that considerable improvement was shown in the output last season it Is desired that further endeavours be made to assist the Dominion's war effort, and thus ensure that food supplies shall be available for the fighting forces and also for the civilian population in Great Britain, where, the need is so.urgent," the Minister states.

The conference reached a full agreement and has submitted proposals to the Minister, and it is his intention to refer these proposals to the Industrial Emergency Council to consider the question of embodying them in regulations under the Emergency Regulations Act. The following is a statement of the proposals submitted: — Works Efficiency Council.—The council is to meet once a fortnight with the object of discussing works efficiency. The council will comprise the union works board of control with representatives of the management. The district union secretary will, ipso facto, be a member of the council. The objects of the council will be:—-(a) To promote and maintain harmonious relationship between the companies and their employees; <b) to discuss any suggestions for smoother running or more efficient conduct of the operations at the works; (c) in particular to consider practical application of any suggestions brought forward by either side for the conduct of the works operations; (d) to discuss alterations found necessary due to any change of methods called for by the trade. Time occupied by workers attending these meetings or attending to any matters arising out of council discussions will be paid for by the employers. Notwithstanding these proposals it will not be competent for any Works Efficiency Council to adopt any measure conflicting with the provisions of the Freezing Workers' Award, unless such alteration has been approved by the New Zealand Freezing Workers Association. National Council.—There will be a national council whose function will be to settle any disputes arising between the parties, (a) The National Council will comprise three representatives from each. side. The meeting of the National Council will be held within fourteen days after reference of a dispute by the employer or the district union concerned, (b.) Falling settlement by the National Council of any dispute referred to it, such dispute may be referred by either paxty to the Court of Arbitration for settlement, (c) During or after the hearing of the dispute, arrangements may be made for experts from both sides to assist the Court in arriving at its decision. The Minister expressed his appreciation of the ready assistance given by all those present at the conference to reach such a satisfactory agreement.