FAILED TO JOIN A UNION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1361, 12 February 1912, Page 4

FAILED TO JOIN A UNION.

D — (]ly Toleßranh—Pkbs Association . Palmcrston North, February 10. An important judgment relating to .com* pulsorv unionism was delivered by Mr. A. D. Thomson, S.M., to-day, in the cam Inspector of Factories v. Borroughs and Kelleher, a charge of failing 'to become members of the Cooks'. and Waiters' Union. When the award came into operation on October '2, lxith were employed in local hotels,'and continued so employed without joining the union, olthougji the award declared that very non-uniomstcm-ployed in establishment's covered by-, the award should within seven days become and remain a member of the union. Counsel had pointed out that this amounted to compulsory unionism, ami contended that such authority to moke such a decision was not given by the Industrial Conciliation ami Arbitration Act, 1908, although ho admitted the same Act provided that no award of the Arbitration Court was liable to bo challenged, appealed against, quashed, or caMcd in question by any Court of judicature on any account whatsoever. On this latter ground his Worship held lie must take the award aa it stood. The men, however, had contended they were only wailing till their places could bo filled by others. The union secretary admitted that (lie union had no one available to fill their places. Four months, however, was too long to allow for such a defence. Defendants were fined 203. and costs.