Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps have been taken in Newfoundland for dealing with wages and with labour disputes; and whether consideration is being given to the establishment of a Fair Wages Board?
§ Mr. AttleeThe steps taken so far in Newfoundland for dealing with wages and labour disputes are as follow: —
- (1) A Woods Labour Board has been established to deal with labour questions in the logging industry by negotiation.
- (2) In pursuance of regulations made under the Emergency Powers Act, Dispute Boards are appointed ad hoc to deal with any labour disputes which may arise affecting the prosecution of the war or the economic life of the community.
1650 - (3) A Labour Relations Officer and an Assistant have recently been appointed. These officers will form a nucleus of a Labour Department and make a special study of all labour matters.
Apart from the measures taken under (2) above, wages and working conditions have been the subject of voluntary working agreements between trade unions and employers in certain trades and the Government of Newfoundland has endeavoured to promote this development. The Government of Newfoundland is engaged in a review of the Island's labour legislation, and in this connection will examine all types of legislation dealing with labour matters which seem likely to suit local conditions. The Labour Relations Officer has prepared and is discussing with trade unions and employers draft legislation on the lines of the United Kingdom Industrial Courts Act.