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Reinstating Servicemen in Industry

19th November 1943
Page 34
Page 34, 19th November 1943 — Reinstating Servicemen in Industry
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The Government Will be Faced With a Problem Much More Difficult Than That of 1918-19, apd the Position of Road Haulage Will Greatly Affect the Issue

By "Tantalus"

DOMINATING the headlines recently has come the latest news relating to the Moscow Conference, giving details of some of the more important decisions reached and of certain plans decided upon with a View to speeding the hour of victory. Everywhere the news is warmly welcomed, as also is an announcement which, although not concerning the conduct and strategy of war, is of equal importance on the home front and vitally connected with the problem of peace.

The particular question referred to is that of demobilization and the return to their old-jobs, or ones equally good, of those who left civilian employment to join the armed Forces. As already has been stated by one writer, this may well be the biggest problem which any Government ever has had to face. Where complications and issues of so varied a nature are involved even the best brains will be taxed to the utmost in an endeavour to reach a satisfactory solution.

It is true that a similar situation had to be faced after the past war, and it is hoped that the experience gained at that time will prove of real value and result in the circumventing of many pitfalls. If the future prospects of • those now serving were fraught with the same perils as those suffered by the ex-Service men of the past, the outlook would be grim indeed. Full credit must be accorded to the Government for having publicized the fact that plans are being made for dealing with the situation in such a way as to ensure that history shill not repeat itself in this particular respect.

There are two sides to the problem of demobilization, i.e., the return of the ex-Service men and women to civilian life and the control of the flow-back to industry from the warproduction factories. Both of these are of the highest magnitude and gravity, and it is no exaggeration to say that the reconstruction problem of 1919 was child's play compared with the difficulties awaiting solution at the conclusion of the present conflict.

The Prime Minister has stated that all energies which can be spared from the war effort are being concentrated by the Government on planning a full policy of " food, work and home"for the period immediately following upon the cessation of hostilities. Whilst this is excellent news, nevertheless it is somewhat vague and rather too . general in character. Has not the time arrived for giving to the country a clear picture, of the schemes which are being envisaged? Important matters such as demobilization, social and industrial policy and many others equally important still remain unsettled, and this notwithstanding the fact that each and all of these questions directly affect the future happiness and security of the individual.

A Fair Deal for the Haulier There are tremendous issues in which those engaged in the road-transport industry are deeply interested, and their concern for the future is very real. Little or no information is to be gleaned from statements and speeches made either in the House of Commons or on public platforms as regards a detailed plan for dealing with road-haulage. There is some indication that renewed attacks are more likely to be made on the industry than are measures for defence and reinforcements to be forthcoming. Such an invidious position should inspire the representative bodies, as well as individual hauliers, to raise a banner upon which might be inscribed 'A Fair Deal and Security for the Haulier."

It is a recognized fact that for all the gifts of life the bill assuredly must be paid. So if the future of hauliers is to be assured the price for this must be paid in bard fighting, supported by effective propaganda. Above all, there must exist a sound policy coupled with sincerity of motive and honesty of purpose.

Attack always has been and still remains the best means for defence. Unfortunately, there is scant evidence of this weapon being adopted by the representative bodies. Indeed, there is some indication of weakness and complacency in relation to the state of affairs at present obtaining.

Reverting to the problem of the demobilization of the armed Forces, it will be recalled that the present " legal obligation" regarding the reinstatement is based upon the National Service (Armed Forces) Act of 1939, Article 14. This orders any employer of a man called up to reinstate him on demobilization "in an occupation and under conditions not less favourable than those which would have been applicable to him " had he not been called up._ The impracticability of this excellent theory is admitted in a later section of the same Act, which frees an employer from this obligation if he can prove that such reinstatement was not reasonably practicable " owing to a change of circumstances " other than that of the engagement of some other person.

The Employment of Returned Drivers

This proviso serves at once to display the weakness of the position created by the Act, as also the rainy anomalies arising' therefrom. For example, take the case of a haulier who was operating 20 vehicles in pre-war days, but, as a Jesuit of the Government policy, now operates only 12 vehicles. How is it -possible, under such conditions, to einstate the drivers when they are demobilized? Again, what will happen in the case of a haulier who is in the fortunate position of being able still to operate the same number of vehicles as in the pre-war period, but who has replaced each of his drivers upon call-up? Will the substitutes, who may have proved entirely satisfactory, be discharged to make room for the former employees? The same difficulties apply in regard to maintenance staffs, fitters, electricians, etc.—who have been called up for R.E.M.E. or transferred to munitions -factories or aircraft works. The clerical and warehouse worker are amongst others who must be included.

There are many instances of men called up in the early stakes of the war who have been replaced by others wIto, in their turn, joined the armed Forces and, therefore, also are protected by the Act. Who, of these, will be selected for reinstatement?

Then again, what is to happen to men formerly employed by concerns which, in the meantime, have gone out of business? Are such men to be penalized on demobilization? In this category the claims of the owner-driver and small operator cannot be excluded, for they will be entitled to exercise their rights, as provided by the Act. The foregoing examples serve to illustrate how intensely baffling is the nature of the problem. Regarding the changeover from war to peace-time conditions, the Government has announced that plans are now in the making for the controlling of the flow-back to industry of men and women at present employed in war factories. So far as is at present known, the general principle will be that no one may leave his or her job except " under control," as was hinted in these columns some weeks back.

It is apparent that the road-haulage industry necessarily must be faced with many peculiar difficulties when demobilization begins, whether the men concerned are in the armed Forces or are engaged in war-production factories. For, unlike many industries which have expanded during the war, road transport has encountered such severe restrictions that, unless there be some definite change in Government policy, the returning men cannot be absorbed.

From this it will be appreciated that the problem is closely related to the question of the post-war status of heiiliers, which so frequently has been ventilated in the pages of this journal. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that agreement be reached between the Government and the representative' bodies upon this vital issue. Only when this has been achieved will the employer and employee know just where they stand in relation to the obligation of the Act.

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