DOMESTICS' UNION

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21775, 6 May 1936, Page 12

DOMESTICS' UNION

SOUTH ISLAND BODY TO BE FORMED

PLANS MADE AT MEETING LAST EVENING

The first step toward the formation of a South Island Labour union for domestic employees was taken by a meeting of about 120 persons in the Trades Hall last evening. The realisation of their aim is as yet dependent upon an amendment of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act which the Government has announced it will make, but those willing to join a union handed in their names last evening, officers were elected, and a committee of seven was set up to frame a constitution and formulate the claims of the union.

The organisation will probably be entitled the South Island Domestic Employees' Union of Workers, and it will embrace workers of both sexes throughout the island. The headquarters will be in Christchurch, and there will be agencies in other parts of the South Island. It is likely that a similar union will be formed in the North Island, and the ultimate aim is to incorporate both in a national organisation. When, as is anticipated, the Government repeals section 71 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, which at present forbids domestic workers to approach the Arbitration Court for an award, the committee appointed last evening will submit its proposals for the constitution of the union and the claims for wages and conditions to a general meeting, which will cite employers to appear before Conciliation Council. "In the event of a union being formed, and an award being made there will be a flutter in the dovecotes in Cashmere and Fendalton," commented Mr J. Roberts, president of the district council of the Alliance of Labour, who presided at last evening's meeting. After outlining the objects and history of trade unionism, Mr Roberts went on to say that the present attempt to form a domestic servants* union in Christchurch was the second one. Previous Effort Failed

"In 1907 an effort was made to organise domestic workers and place the work on a higher level," said Mr Roberts, "but the daily newspapers, backed up by the employers of domestic servants, opposed the venture. Looking backward, one is able after a lapse of 28 years, to appreciate what might have been done for domestic servants, had the women of that period been conscious of the struggle for existence and the endeavour of those interested in the workers' welfare to better their conditions. There are many women's organisations in New Zealand, I venture to assert, but not one of them outside the women's trade unions will assist to organise domestic workers.

"The influence brought to bear on the Government by those opposed to the formation of a domestic workers' union resulted in section 71 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1908, being placed on the Statute Book. Some Christchurch women's organisations have been interesting themselves in improving the status of domestic workers. I want to suggest that they are putting the cart before the horse. If the working conditions are made attractive, the status will look after itself," added Mr Roberts.

Addresses were also given by Mr R. A. Brooks, secretary of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees' Union, and by Mr R. M. Macfarlane, secretary of the North Canterbury Labour Representation Committee. The following officers were elected: —President, Miss E. Lawn; vice-presi-dent. Mrs L. MacFarlane; secretarytreasurer, Mrs J. Souter; and a committee of seven.