The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1908. CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2238, 9 July 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1908. CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION.

■By far the most important matter that has been mentioned in connection with tho present session of Parliament Is the measure which the Government proposes to introduce with a view to settling labor disputes. Tho Premier’s .outline of the new Bill, given in another eolumn, indicates that ,yory drastic legislation is proposed iuid in tbo ordinary course of tilings some stirring times may bo looked for ,in Parliament when the measure is debated. Opposition of a. most determined kind is likely io come from tho labor representatives, for any attempt to forco arbitration upon disputants is entirely against their present policy. Tho latest attitudo of the Unions shows that they much prefer to take their chances with the strikes rather than submit their cases to any tribunals,, and however much wo may deploro tho fact its existence cannot be ignored. Tho now Bill imposes the most severe penalties upon eithor workers or employers who may bo the causo of a strike, and stringent means are adopted whereby tho farce which was enacted in connection with tho Blackball striko cannot again ho repeated. Tho fines for breaches of industrial awards aro so substantial that they would, if operative, • act as a very effective deterrent to tho average, worker, who otherwise might he disposal to participato in a strike. The old Conciliation Boards aro to be replaced by a Council of Assessors, who must bo members of the trado which is concerned in tho dispute. This recognises a principle for which wo .have long contended, namely, that if the assistance of exports rather than professional agitators wero invoked in industrial disputes an amicable settlement would as a ‘rule bo arrived at ini a reasonable time. The sanio method is adopted in regard to the Arbitration Court, which lias also to have the assistance of two assessors. The Council, like tho Conciliation Board, will still continue as a sort of half-way house to the Arbitration Court, and judging from past experiences it is likely t 0 ho largely ignored. It is just possible*however, that its different 'constitution may enable it to obtain k measure of confidence on tho part of the workers and employere that, the Conciliation Boards have never succeeded in

gaining. Once a case reaches tno Arbitration Court that body is to be allowed t 0 make a distinction between tho average worker and the clever, enthusiastic employee. A “needs” wage may bo fixed as ‘.ho minimum remuneration, and with an “exertion” wage to bo paid in addition to thoso whoso output exceeds a stated quantity. Obviously tins will bo an exceedingly difficult matter to amm go. In somo industries it would be almost impossible to < evise a fixed standard that would represent a given output, and it is possible that this may bo tho reason for making the clause permissive but not mandatory. Presumably when the Court is unable to decide upon the quantity of labor that should bo porformed to qualify the worker for a “needs” or for an "exertion” wage it will fall back upon the old “minimum wage” with its levelling down tendency. The Bill reads like a bold effort to make tho Arbitration system workable, but tho labor interests will undoubtedly raise a great outcry against it, and judging by experience tho Government will then promptly drop the Bill or allow such amendments as will destroy "its main features. If members desired to have 6ome record of achievement to point to when they next address the people from the hustings they could do nothing, better than set to work in earnest and assist tho Government tho put the suggested Bill into such shape that it would do' away with the present feeling of unrest which threatens the very existence of many of our industries.