BANKS OPPOSE AWARD FOR MANY OF THEIR OFFICIALS

Grey River Argus, 8 September 1948, Page 5

BANKS OPPOSE AWARD FOR MANY OF THEIR OFFICIALS

P.A. WELLINGTON, Sent. 7. “With no hint of a concession from the banks on the points which can only be regarded as serious,. I cannot see that the union can give much serious consideration to the employers’ proposals,” said Mr. C. A.. R. Brunt, for the Bank Officials Union, in the Conciliation Council to-day. He added that there was a fear complex throughout the banking service which had' prevented bank ofhcers from standing up for their Tights* The employers’ advocate, Mr. W. J Mountjoy, said the employers’ decision was that branch managers, accountants, inspectors and sub-inspec-tors should not be included in the provisions of the award. Mr. Mountjoy added that the employers considered that other points in the dispute, including the question of special increments and the nature and amount of overtime payments, if still not acceptable to the. union, should be referred to the Arbitration Court. „ In reference to the question or a promotion and disciplinary appeal board, Mr. Mount joy said the banks decision was- that it was their right to determine the officers who should be promoted, as this method applied to all commercial organisations. STAFF CONTROL

“For a century the banks in New Zealand have had indisputable control of their staff and they cannot, visualise any other state of affairs, said Mr. Brunt, after hearing the employers’ decisions. He added: Jcannot see that the banks have taken the submissions by the union at all seriously. It is obvious the banks intend to regard the union in the same way that they. regarded the former guild for thirty years, it seems there is not much we can expect in conciliation.” . The fear complex to which he had referred was, he thought, largely due to the present system of promotion and secret reports. A change in the system of promotion was vitally necessary and an important point. In many overseas countries the higher executive officers in the banks, such as branch managers, were included in awards and he felt it important that this should also be done in New Zealand. The Conciliation Commissioner, Mr. Ritchie, said what the union now had to consider was whether it could force a settlement in conciliation without going to the Court of Arbitration. “Unless there is something new to put into the discussion, it is simply a case of beating the air,” he said. An adjournment was taken to enable the union assessors to discuss the matter further.