THE TRADE UNION OR ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28481, 10 January 1958, Page 13

THE TRADE UNION OR ASSOCIATION

By

R. H. McDonald

PRESIDENT, CANTERBURY TRADES COUNCIL, AND CHAIRMAN, CHRISTCHURCH VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE.

'J’HERE not many persons] who start out in life without having to take the opinions and requirements of others into account, the needs of their employer, their customers or their fellow employees. We depend on one another in our work, and can forget the idea that we are

working for our own , benefit alone.

Being employed is like being a member of a family. In the happiest of families each member is pulling together with ,t,he rest, and the weakest <?r youngest member is encouraged to become stronger. It would seem wrong to you if every member of your family was competing against every other member for a share in the comforts of the home. You would say it was wrong if some received too mtfteh and some too little.

Family Concern

In working life, the “family of the employed” is just as concerned about living a strong, healthy existence. We call the family a trade union, or if you are self-employed, a trade or. professional association. If you are not a member of that family you

cannot expect the benefit of its protection.’

Trade unions are not always given credit for the many functions they perform today. Perhaps some people do not realise that trade unions are represented on many public bodies where employee interests are at stake. The following are only a few examples from a long list: The Workers’ Compensation Board, immigration committees, technical college boards, apprenticeship committees, disabled servicemen’s re-tstablishment leagues, and the National Safety Association. Other Functions

The more obvious functions of the trade unions, of course, are those of participation in conciliation councils and appearances before the Court of Arbitration and other tribunals. All of these things have a cumulative effect on conditions of work, obligations of worker and employer and rates of pay. I advise those who are choosing a career to take an interest in their trade union or association. Help it assist you in any problems of employment, accident or dispute. We live in a competitive world and there are none so strong that they can stand alone indefinitely. Choosing a career is not a onesided affair. Others have to receive satisfaction from the work we do. When people buy our labour, when they pay our wages or buy the goods and services we have to sell, they want fair value for their money. Examinations, diplqmas and certificates are often takeh as a sign that our goods and services are of greater value, and ' rightly so. Passing an examination is important in itself because we gain in self respect and public esteem. But in this competitive world it is also important because it is profitable. In most commercial and professional occupations the boy or girl with University Entrance or School Certificate is entitled to be advanced in the salary scale by one of two years. There are examinations set down by the Trades .Certification Board which open the way to worthwhile additions to certain apprentice wages. These are things which sdtisfy the employeer and his business will prosper through the skills of. his employees. Fellow employees are just as interested in retaining the customer's or the public's confidence in their' industry or profession. The public patronises the industries and professions it respects If we like being employed in an industry we must Obtain to* support of the public to guarantee employment