The Government's role in industrial relations

The Government has practised a policy of non-intervention in the industrial arena since it took office in July last year. It is comtnitted to a consultative approach rather than leaping into the centre of a dispute. In my view the approach is right. The Minister of Labour should not be involved in disputes unless they are likely to adversely affect the national interest. Rather, I believe the Minister should put in place legislation that commands the respect and trust of the participants to ensure that industrial conflict is resolved through effective consultation, mediation, conciliation and arbitratio