AUDIO
Interview with Ralph Gardiner
- Date
- 8 Mar 1995 - 08 Mar 1995
- By
- Gardiner, William Ralph Cameron, 1941-
- Reference
- OHInt-0098-03
- Description
Ralph Gardiner was born in Whangarei on 1 January 1941. Describes his back ground as part Nga Puhi and talks about his father's work as a gumdigger, farm labourer and truck driver. Recalls World War II and his father being in the Home Guard. Comments that his maternal grandparents were not happy with his mother's marriage. Gives his opinion of the `Maori renaissance'. Talks about going to university and Teachers College and umpiring cricket. Describes a job at the Holeproof factory, run by the Korman brothers, and becoming staff manager. Discusses the need to talk things through with staff and the industrial harmony at Holeproof.
Recalls his decision to work for the Employers Association and increasing interest in advocacy and industrial relations. Recalls great advocates Peter Carroll, Alan Jones and Ron Richards. Describes the national award systems with key award setting groups like drivers, stores and metal trades. Comments on the need for relativity. Discusses the qualities required by advocates, the stressful nature of the work and its effect on family life. Recalls Rob Campbell, Jackson Smith, Bill Andersen, Dougal Soper and Jim Knox. Discusses the Socialist Unity party (SUP). Describes the union delegate structure.
Discusses employment contracts reform, various disputes, the need for procedures and attitudes to unreasonable unions. Talks about the period of the wage freeze from 1982 to 1985 and attending and getting to know the operations of the Arbitration Court. Outlines the mediation service to which he was appointed in 1990 and a change to the Employment Tribunal in the Employment Court. Explains two types of approaches - mediation and hearings. Outlines the role of mediator. Describes the role of Chief of the Employment Tribunal. Comments on the Employment Contracts Act, voluntary unionism and centralised wage bargaining.
Venue - Auckland : 1995
Interviewer(s) - David Young
Venue - Auckland
Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006151; OHC-006152; OHC-006153
Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s).
Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1393.
Search dates: 1941 - 1995
- Additional description
Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.
Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-001962 - OHLC-001964
- Use/Reproduction
- Public use requires the written permission of the donor Copyright: Auckland Employers Association
- Access restrictions
- Partly restricted material
- Part of
- Auckland Employers Association oral history project
- Format
- 3 C60 cassette(s), 1 printed abstract(s), Oral histories, Equipment used: Sony Walkman Prof. WMD6C cass. recorder & Sony ECM144 lapel microphones.
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Interview with Ralph Gardiner, printed abstract
Date: 8 Mar 1995
From: Auckland Employers Association oral history project
Reference: OHA-1393
Description: Interviewer(s) - David Young Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1393.
Interview with Ralph Gardiner, tape three
Date: 8 Mar 1995 - 08 Mar 1995
From: Auckland Employers Association oral history project
Reference: OHC-006153
Description: Interviewer(s) - David Young Arrangement: Tape sequence - 3 of 3 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).
Interview with Ralph Gardiner, tape two
Date: 8 Mar 1995 - 08 Mar 1995
From: Auckland Employers Association oral history project
Reference: OHC-006152
Description: Interviewer(s) - David Young Arrangement: Tape sequence - 1 of 3 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).
Interview with Ralph Gardiner, tape one
Date: 8 Mar 1995 - 08 Mar 1995
From: Auckland Employers Association oral history project
Reference: OHC-006151
Description: Interviewer(s) - David Young Arrangement: Tape sequence - 1 of 3 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).