The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, June 2, 1948. NEW ZEALAND WORKERS’ OBLIGATIONS

Grey River Argus, 2 June 1948, Page 4

The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, June 2, 1948. NEW ZEALAND WORKERS’ OBLIGATIONS

A lamentable lack of the sense of responsibility to the . community is frequently exhibited alike * by some employers and some workers. They risk sei ions economic dislocation fy adopting arbitrary or non-conciliatory action, A calculation with some employers is that as the big majority'of the community are wageearners, they suffer most by such dislocation and may thus be expected to react against it. It is by no means a good example which has just been set by the Masterton Borough Council in its refusal even to dismiss the claim of its employees for a readjustment of wages, and instead to suggest that the need of this ought to be immediately averted by the Government through a general reduction of prices. It is only another way of saying that the council will not observe the principle. of other local bodies in equating wages ivith existing prices. In Dunedin also there is a dispute with municipal employees on the trams, and the Government has had to summon a confdrence lest the community be seriously incommoded. Which ever side there is to blame, the stoppage of the service is the most clumsy course towards a solution. Critics of the workers are prone io set up imaginary standards whereby capitalists are credited with efficiency on the assumption that they can cheapen labour as soon as they get the opportunity. Transport is quoted, especially by air, whereas the main avenue of deficiency today is undoubtedly shipping, and in that avenue the inadequacy is due. to private enterprise failing to meet the needs of the situation. Doubtless the war is a prime factor in this deficiency, but those adversely affected, like those who do not want to recognise who is responsible for adequate shipping facilities, are disposed to seek an easement from Governmental initiative. On the question of industrial efficiency, and especially continuity in production. it is undeniable that organised labour has now' come into a greater measure of responsibility, and is obliged to see that discipline is observed to the extent that recognition of unionism is a reality. Disputes and difficulties call not for disruption, but for adjustment in a conciliatory manner. Irritation and provocation in the part of employers are rightly condemned, but the advancement of workers welfare entails disciplined action, with a resort to the strike only if provocative employers require to be exhibited in their true light, and the community to be protected against loss through continued incitement. Employers should ■welcome the participation of w'orke'rs. in the constructive organisation of industry. Workers already are educated to take a fuller share in directing the most prolific use of means of production, and with due scope could assure better results. It is certain that in. the degree employers choose to promote co-operation they W'ill be met by a fuller sense of responsibility on the v-ntyn----part, and a wider appreciation by the community of the common interest. Community serv'ce in the economic sense implies on the part of all participants rights no less than obligations, and Ihe rights include a reward from, as well as a voice in, the direction of production. That merely obstruc-

tivc activity means stagnation, every hold up in some degree illustrates. whereas the right remedy for every difficulty is constructive activity. To-day the* slogan is\ becoming one that ‘i higher living standard depends more than ever upon the co-oper-ation, energy and social conscience of the working class. There is a minority whose idea is that thing's can only become worse if they ever are to become better, and who therefore inspire industrial disorder. The only thing, however, which such people can promise is disorder. Their idea- of ordeT is not much better. New Zealand can already stand comparison with any country as to its social and economic, conditions,. and it is a reasonable view that further betterment depends more than anything else upon the self-discipline of the organised workers.