DESIRABILITY OF A SLAUGHTER MEN'S UNION-

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 55, 7 March 1899, Page 2

DESIRABILITY OF A SLAUGHTER MEN'S UNION-

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—With your kind permission I would like to draw the attention of the public in general and butchers' employees to several evils which exist in connection with our trade. There are no settled hours in connection therewith, many slaughtermen working from 13 to 16 hours a day for as often as not a paltry and miserable pittance. I know some skilled and finished tradesmen who have been compelled to sell themselves for as low as 30/ a week, boss slaughtermen at that. All trades and even latterly the carters have formed a union, and -it is now about time the butchers were up and doing, for if ever a trade wanted regulating both as to wages, hours and apprentices, it is ours. So let us one and all fall into line and remember well that adage—United we stand divided we fall. Although there are unfortunately grasping masters here, there are other firms in Auckland, be it said to their credit, who pay the employees a fair wage, and it is only right that those masters who do not should be drawn into lino by the constitutional methods which, by forming a union, we are by Act of Par liament entitled to take advantage of. Perhaps someone will step into the breach and consolidate we scattered employees into a solid and defensive union, formed not for the purpose of harassing employers, but simply for the purpose of protecting ourselves.—l am, etc.,

SLAUGHTERMAN.