THE RIGHT TO STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 191, 12 August 1911, Page 9

THE RIGHT TO STRIKE.

TRAMWAY UNION'S ACTION. AN IMPORTANT BALLOT. A matter of very considerable interest in Auckland Labour circles is the solution of a problem whiph for some time past has been agitating the minds of the members of the Auckland Tramways Industrial Union of Workers. Some ■weeks ago-the question arose as to which course would:afford most benefit to the union—to affiliate with the New Zealand Federation of Labour, which favours cancellation of registration under the Arbitration Act; to affiliate with the Trades and Labour Council Federation, or to remain a3 at present, an industrial union of workers, registered under the Arbitration Act. Several meetings were held, the case for the Federation of Labour and the right to strike .being put to the men by Sir. Scott Bennett, while the advantages of a more moderate course were advocated by Prof. W. T. Mills. After hearing the arguments on both sides, the Tramway Union yesterday held a .ballot, at which three issues were put, and on which the vo:rng was as follows: •Affiliation with Federation of Labour 270 Affiliation with Trades and Laibour Council Federation 17 To remain as at present under Arbitration Act 40 Informal votes 2 The Federation of Labour was inaugurated by the Miners' Federation when that fiodv cut away from the Arbitration Act. Several other unions have followed, the Aucklantl Tramways Union, on yesterday's ballot, being the latest to go Oyer. The Auckland anion's award expired in February last, but its terms continue to hold good until the union either applies for a new award, or seeks to cancel registration unuer the Act. A meeting of the union will now be held to decide upon the next stops to be taken.