THE LABOUR QUESTION.

Southland Times, Issue 18830, 25 May 1920, Page 2

THE LABOUR QUESTION.

To the Editor. Sir, —As the public is much interested in the various Labour disputes arising from time to time I wish to submit some principles upon which these matters might be dealt with. The thoughts I have to present are put in the form of an industrial charter, which, I think, if accepted both by employers and workers would prevent a good deal of serious trouble. This charter affirms certain definite rights, and also duties, which ought to prove an all-round protection. The rights of free organisation, of conference and appeal would fairly safeguard the workers. On the other hand the duties of submission to fair enquiry and judgment on matters in dispute of honourably recognising the validity and binding nature of contracts made, and lastly the admission of the justice of safeguarding the public against sudden outbreaks seem to me proposals which all fair minded people would endorse. I will be well pleased if the Labour Unions and the Employers’ Associations will consider this charter and let the public know whether it is such as they can fully endorse. —I am, etc., FABIUS, INDUSTRIAL PEACE CHARTER. Being a statement of principles for the establishment and maintenance of conditions of industrial peace within the dominion:—

(1) That the right of free organisation extend and apply to all employers and employees, of whatsover calling or occupation, resident within the dominion. (2) That the rule of free correspondence and conference be recognised between, the organisations of employers and employees in each particular industry, trade or service, upon matters in which both are directly concerned as. related industrial parties. (3) That in the matter of alleged .offences, involving dismissal from employment a right of appeal to the decision of a body representative of both sides, with an independent chairman, shall be recognised; provided that the offence is not one in breach of an agreement made, and that the question, of appeal is raised by a responsible organisation. (4) That, in the matter of industrial disputes between parties engaged in the same industry, trade or service, resource be had to the following methods of settlement:— (a) In the case of minor disputes by voluntary agreements following conference, or by submission to arbitration of the matters not agreed upon. (b) In the case of important disputes by conference in the presence of public representatives; by reference to a tribunal composed of equal numbers oh representatives of each side, with an independent chairman, for judicial investigation and report; or by submission to . the arbitration of a Board or person agreed upon by the parties. (5) That all industrial agreements made between parties be held inviolate and nothing be done in contravention of their terms by any of the parties thereto, provided that should the material conditions upon which the agreement was made so alter as to change the effect of the terms agreed upon, the same shall be subject to review. (6) That for the protection of that portion of the public not involved in any particular dispute arising all actions in restraint of trade taken by any organisation or individual prior to having tested the means of settlement herein stipulated be held an offence at law and made punishable according to its gravity as an injury to the public. •