INDUSTRY IN WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20061, 6 October 1939, Page 6

INDUSTRY IN WAR

STRIKES PROHIBITED SETTLING DISPUTES EMERGENCY PLANS KEEPING UP PRODUCTION

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day.

Regulations which prohibit strikes or lock-outs, but which provide machinery for the settlement of industrial disputes, have been Gazetted, according to a statement made by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, last evening.

It was vitally necessary, said the Minister, that there should be no restriction on production in this time of emergency.

“Nothing should happen to restrict the fullest possible supply of goods,’’ the Minister said. “In this period of emergency it is necessary that all should play their part, whether employers or workers. Any stoppage by the workers or any action by the employers which might cause a stoppage should be avoided at a time when all are engaged in a common cause.

“It is to toe expected, however, that m any circumstances disputes will arise. Regulations under the Emergency Regulations Act have been adopted, and these regulations, whilst prohibiting any strike or lock-out, provide machinery for dealing with any dispute that occurs. The Minister of Labour has power to set up an emergency disputes committee. Procedure If Dispute Arises “In the event of a dispute arising, the Minister may refer the matter in dispute to the disputes committee provided for in an award or industrial agreement, and if no decision is reached the matter rpay then be referred to the emergency disputes committee set up under the regulations. If no provision is made in the relative award or industrial agreement for a disputes committee, the matter may be referred to the emergency disputes committee for decision.

“I would like to say here that I am pleased with the fine spirit shown and the response made by workers throughout the Dominion to assist in meeting the needs arising out of the war. Reports have been received by myself disclosing that the workers, through their organisations, have met the employers and adjusted conditions, where circumstances have made this necessary.

“Changing conditions are bound to occur, and I am anxious that any adjustments that may be necessary shall be considered in the friendliest spirit by both sides in order that any resulting sacrifice may be fairly distributed.

“Radical changes may pot be necessary, but from time to time certain matters will arise that will require to be settled if the resources of the Dominion are to be utilised to the fullest extent.”