N.Z. Builders and Competition for Labour

Grey River Argus, 10 April 1948, Page 3

N.Z. Builders and Competition for Labour

DUNEDIN, April 9. An appeal for a definite policy to make united action effective was made to the builders’ and contractors conference b.v Mr R. G. Knox, of Auckland. He asked the conference, on a remit from his association, to affirm the principle of unified action by all association, in any dispute affecting the building industry. Mr C. S. Luney (Christchurch) said that what was needed was stricter adherence to the rules. What has caused a lot of trouble in the past was the selfish attitude adopted by members themselves. Mr J. R. Smith (Christchurch) said that for such a remit to come from Auckland was ridiculous. It was the Auckland members who had broken rules and paid higher wages. Mr R. C. Savory (Auckland) said that that most firms throughout the Dominion had endeavoured to stick to award rates. The workers at the moment were on the “box seat” and outside builders had offered higher rates. The demand for new buildings and consequently for workers, was higher in the North Island than in the South. During th building dispute the builders had given the Government four weeks to do something, but it had not done anything, though the Prime Minister had promised to move within 48 hours. The president, Mr S. G. Shearer, of Wellington, said the builders had done a good job during the recent dispute and had upheld the Government. . , The remit was carried. That the conference initiate a move for the return to industry of 10 per cent, of the personnel civil service was a remit from Canterbury unanimously. Mr J. Graham (Canterbury) said all were fully aware of to-day s shortages, which could be traced back to the manpower 1 shortage. There were 45,700 males engaged in the Civil Service, which represented one in 11 of the available labour force of the Dominion. These hgures were taken from the report ot the National Employment Service.