Works Councils

The existence of works councils seems peculiar to periods of war, times only when both capital and labour are confronted by common enemies, thus encouraging mutual interests. Dormant in peacetime or, at the best, relegated to social committees, they become in wartime, or should become, the motivating agents for increased production and better working conditions. But the same basic factors that Operate in peacetime to prevent their success operate also in wartime, and too few employers are willing to cooperate in assisting to increase production if it also means improving factory conditions with possible capital outlay. Dr. Hare in his report on works Councils in New Zealand has covered virgin ground—no other survey of a similar nature has been made. A copy of this book should be in the hands of any organised group that contemplates employer-employed co-operation.