INDUSTRIAL HARMONY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24424, 9 October 1940, Page 9

INDUSTRIAL HARMONY

EFFICIENCY COUNCILS ADVOCATED CLOSER CO-OPERATION ENVISAGED (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Oct. 8. The hope that works efficiency councils. similar to that proposed by the conference of freezing works’ representatives, would be established in all big industries, was expressed to-night in an interview by the Minister of Labour (Mr P, C. Webb). He said he hoped to see the principle adopted because it would bring employers and workers closer together in an atmosphere not pregnant with contention. The councils, the Minister explained, would first consider if improvements in industry could be brought in, and then investigate suggestions that might be made by either side. “ Such suggestions made in the absence of the heat usually generated by vexed problems agitating the minds of the parties concerned would probably result in a clearer understanding of the problems confronting industry,” Mr Webb said “I cannot imagine anything but good coming from such consultations. There is no suggestion whatever of job' control; it is more a question of job understanding. I am confident that if works efficiency councils would do half as good work for the country as the Industrial Emergency Council is and has been doing, they will usher in a new day. ful] of great possibilities of a more harmonious relationship in our industrial life.”