BRITISH UNIONISM
Maoriland Worker, Volume 11, Issue 211, 12 January 1921, Page 10
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BRITISH UNIONISM
Cterr'Giiiiisatioii
In accordance with the decision of Special 'British Trade Union Of December, .1919, a committee draft-l-ed U scheme 'for the improved organ-5 isatibn --'ot the British unions which vas adopted- at the recent anmial conference. Under this hew 'method of ; organisation'the present Parliamentary" eoinmittee of the trade unions is abolished, and a general council set up, composed of 32 members representing 18 trade groups. The following particulars of the composition bf this, powerful executive body of the British trade unions aud its objects will-be of interest to all unionists: "The council Of 32 member is to '-be _ elected oh the, following basis: ■ *. ; . j Represent.: : ation on Council Name of Group @ of 32 Mining and Quarrying ....... 3 Railways • 3' Transport (other than raii. ways) 2 Shipbuilding ••.... I & Engineering, founding, and vehicle building' 3 Iron and steel, engincmen, and minor metal trades 2 Building, woodworking, and furnishing . '2 Printing and paper 1 Cotton 2 Textiles (other than cotton) .. 1 Glothiiig I Leather, boot and shoe, and hat'making 1 Glass, pottery, chemicals, food, ■-drink,'tobacco, brushmaking, and distribution 1 Agriculture 3 - Public" employees .'1 Non-manual workers I General 'workers & Unions who have women workers -< The numbers in each group will be liable to alteration each year on resolutioix by any affiliated body, to alter the standing order. Each union affiliated to congress is to be allocated to its - appropriate group by the general council subject to right of appeal by the unions concerned, such appeals to be considered, and decisions thereon to be given, ir/ an allocation committee set up for '%c purpose, which shall act pending 3.0 election of the general council. Each anion shall-have the right to nominate candidates, to represent it in the group on the general council. Tbe general council shall be elected by the' Trades Union Congress, the nominee or nominees iv each group securing the highest number of votes to be elected. Conf--"ess declined to agree to each group' electing its own representatives. The important functions now devolving upon tho new body, which are of .the highest importance, are as follows-: The general council shall keep a watch on -all industrial movements, and shall attempt, where possible, to co-ordinate industrial action. It shall promote common actios, hj the trade union movement on general questions, such'as wages and hours of labor, and any matter of general con; cern that may arise between trade ! unions and employers or between the j trade union movement and the Government, and shall bave the power to assist, any union which is attacked on any vital "question of trade union principle. Where disputes arise, or threaten to arise, between t T ade unions, it shall use its influence to promote a set, tlement. It shall assist trade unions in the work of organisation with a view to strengthening the industrial side of tbe movement, and for the attainment of any or all of the above objects. It shall also enter into relations with the trade union and. Labor movements in other countries with a view to promoting common action and international solidarity. This gives enormous power to the council which can how initiate almost any policy which, with the con" ' sent of the unions concerned, has for * its object, the putting into eSect do- I cisions carried at annual'congresses.
