EMPLOYERS URGE CO-OPERATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 175, 14 October 1927, Page 1

EMPLOYERS URGE CO-OPERATION

APPEAL TO WORKERS Press Association. WELLINGTON, Thursday. “Unless labour and management unite in stimulating production, wages will tend to Fall/* This significant statement appeal's in the annual report of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, which was presented at the meeting to-day. “So far Labour unions have continued, when awards expire, to present extravagant demands, not only for increased wages, but for shorter hours and other conditions which, if granted, could result only in : ncreased costs.” In most cases during the year such | demands have been withdrawn in conciliation council and settlements have been arrived at practically on the fines of old awards. In certain directions Labour should make concessions. In many industries shift work and overtime work are essential ..-nd cannot bo avoided. A new principle has crept into many awards that ail work done outside of hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. must be paid for at overtime rates. “Overtime payments have become quite unreasonable and they add enormously to the cost of many j essential services. j “The elimination of wasteful expenditure in this and similar matters would help to provide more employment. We believe that employers are doing their utmost in accordance wi th the policy of this federation to attain maximum efficiency in their methods. “The unions must play their part in helping along the adjustment to meet the new conditions or else accept responsibility for declining trade and unemployment.”