STRIKES OVER TRIFLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 December 1938, Page 6

STRIKES OVER TRIFLES

DENOUNCED BY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS WORKERS URGED TO PLAY THE GAME. ADVICE TO SHORT-SIGHTED ELEMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. “It is time disgruntled minorities in the (trades unions woke up and realised that in fomenting stupid comic opera strikes over trifles they are enemies to themselves, to their unions and to their country.” These were the words of the Minister of Public Works (the, Hon. R. Semple) today, when he referred to the appeal being made by the Government for the cooperation of all sections of the community in an effort to increase production. The spasmodic strikes that had been experienced in the country did not come from a majority of the members of unions, 90 per cent of whom were loyal to their country and to their calling, said the Minister. Strikes over trifles came from a disgruntled minority which wanted the most for the least effort. Such an attitude could not and would not be tolerated by a Government that was doing its job to help New Zealand. ~

“I do not want my words to be interpreted as an attack on trade unionism,” went on Mr Semple. “I am not indicating unionism, nor attacking loyal workers, who fortunately are in the majority. I am seeking, as one who has been through the mill and has suffered for his principles, to give some advice to those short-sighted individuals who cannot see that; by the attitude which they adopt, they are damaging unionism and destroying their own nights. It may be said by my critics {hat the author of these words at one time took part in strikes himself. My record will stand investigation, and it will show that big issues were at stake when I was engaged in strikes. In those days unionism was outlawed, and so were the men who joined unions. Today conditions have been revolutionised. Unionism has been recognised and has been given its rightful place in society. A Government that is friendly to the workers is in power. It will do its best to improve their standard of living, but it also wants the workers to play the game.”