Militancy within the New Zealand Federation of Labour during the post-war years

Abstract

The post-war years in New Zealand saw a remarkable increase in the number of industrial disturbances. It was a time of industrial strife from the end of 1946 just after the re-election of the Labour Government with a very slender majority, up until 1951, a little over a year after the election of the National Government. This thesis is concerned particularly with the period during which the Labour Government held office. It was a period marked by dissension in the Labour ranks. Militancy in New Zealand unionism has had a long history. Mainly, however, it has had to contend with conservative Governments. Under the Labour Government, another new factor had to be taken into consideration. A Government, especially one with a slim majority, has to be particularly responsive to the demands of the large floating vote, the swing of which puts Governments in and out. With a majority of only four in its last three years of office, the Labour Government was acutely aware of the need to placate the wishes of this section of the electorate. At the same time, a Government cannot ignore the demands of its own supporters. But these demands must be reasonable, otherwise, if it gives in to them, the Government will offend the floating voters. See "The Floating Vote in New Zealand" by K.J. Scott, Landfall, Christchurch, March 1950