INDUSTRIAL PEACE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 October 1939, Page 7

INDUSTRIAL PEACE

PROHIBITION OF STRIKES & LOCKOUTS

GOVERNMENT ISSUES REGULATIONS.

DESIRE FOR UNRESTRICTED PRODUCTION.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON. This Day

Regulations which prohibit strikes and lockouts, but wliich provide machinery for the settleniei.it- of industrial disputes, have been issued, according to a statement by the Minister of Jjabonr, Mr Webb, last evening. It was vitally necessary, said the Minister, that there should he. no restriction of production in this time of emergency.

"Nothing should happen to restrict the fullest possible supply of goods,” the Minister said. "In this period of emergency, it is necessary that all

should play their part, whether employers or workers. Any stoppage by workers or any action - by employers which might cause a stoppage would be avoided at a time when all are engaged in a common cause. “It is to .be expected, however, that in any circumstances disputes will arise. Regulations under the Emergency Regulations Act have been adopted, and these, while prohibiting any strike or lockout, provide machinery for dealiiig with any dispute that occurs. The Minister of Labour has power to set up an emergency disputes committee consisting of not more than three representatives of workers, with a chairman. In the event of a dispute arising, the Minister may refer the matter to a disputes committee provided for in an award or industrial agreement, and if no decision is reached, the matter may then be referred to the Emergency Disputes Committee set up under the regulations. If no provision is made in the relative award or industrial agreement for a disputes committee, the matter may be referred to the Emergency Disputes Committee for • decision.

“I am pleased.with the fine spirit shown and the response made by workers throughout the Dominion to assist in meeting the needs arising out of the war. Reports have been received by myself disclosing that workers through their organisations have met employers and adjusted conditions where the circumstances have made this necessary. Changing conditions are bound to occur, and I am anxious that any adjustments that may be necessary shall be considered in the friendliest spirit between both sides in order that any resulting sacrifice may be fairly distributed. Radical changes may not be necessary, bu' 1 from time to time certain matters will arise that will require to be settled if the resources of the Dominion are to be utilised, to the fullest extent.”