N.A.F.W.R. Annual Conference
Page 46
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FURNITURE warehousemen and removers follow a line peculiarly their own when they plan a conference. This .s appropriate, because, as a branch of the road transport industry, they regard themselves as specialists and have problems that are different from those of others.
They do not, at these congresses, arrange for set papers to be read, with subsequent discussion. Instead, subjects are selected and a discussion opened by a brief introductory address by a member having special knowledge of that subject. That was how the conference of the National Association of Furniture Warehousemen and Removers which took place in London last week, was organized. Nearly 200 delegates were present.
The subjects chosen were, to a large extent, domestic in interest and, of the two which did not come in that category, one was of semi-private nature.
Joint Council for the removal industry.
During a brief discussion, a delegate asked whether the industry would not be at a disadvantage in the absence of some such conciliatory machinery as was afforded by a Joint Industrial Council.
The answer given was that removers could hardly be worse off than now, with the J.I.C. functioning. Problems of wages and conditions, however much they might affect furniture removers, were decided by the Central Wages Board before they reached that industry and, as the decisions of the Board had statutory effect, nothing was gained by endeavouring to combat them.
The hope was expressed that in coming to this decision to withdraw from the J.I.C., the Ministry of Labour might take notice and possibly initiate measures to remedy the position, as it was known that the Ministry was strongly in favour of the retention of such councils.
The resolution was carried unanimously.