TYPOGRAPHICAL UNIONS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 118, 12 February 1920, Page 6

TYPOGRAPHICAL UNIONS

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE. Tho biennial conference of Typographical unions resumed its session yesterday, Mr. Alf. T. Carter presiding. A remit forwarded by tho Wellington Union, to the effect "that as piecework is absolutely contrary to the ethics of trade unionism, the conference consider the advisability of abolishing it," was, defeated after a prolonged debate. Tho following resolutions were agreed to: "That the Government bo urged to see that greater expedition is used in supplying copies of awards or agreements to parties concerned."

"Thai, the CicTernmcnt be requested to arrango for better and more systematic inspection of printing offices, and that breaches of award be more - rigorously and expeditiously dealt with."

"That as our award provides for probationers learning the linotype, thus affording opportunities to returned soldiers to learn the machine, this conference is of opinion that the printing trade should not be included in Hie Order-in-Council dated July 5, 1919." "That this conference is of opinion that more effective measures should 'be taken by- fho Government to deal with profiteering and the ever-increasing cost of living, and claims that on every committee or commission dealing with prices; also on the Board of Trade, the workers of the Dominion should be repressed by members appointed by trades unions."

"That this conference affirms the leocsisity of a Printing Trades Journal Icing 'established, and. that a. committee bo set up to go into the matter," The committee set up consists of the four Wellington delegates to the conference with the president and secretary ex officio.'

"That the conditions governing apprentices be revised and the following suggestions bo submitted to the Employers' Association:—(a) The unions to keep a. register of all apprentices containing date of entering trade and other particulars. <b) A board of three 'qualified journeymen to periodically examine apprentices in the Tarious' centres. Progress reports to be submitted to the Board of Management who can take any action they think fit on employers neglecting their duty towards the apprentices.(c) Technical 'education made arailable to all apprentices in employers' lime."

"That 110 boy be taken on as an apprentice unless he has passed an educational tcsft not lower than that reouired to procure a proficiency certificate."

"That' this conference is of opinion that Ihe time lias arrived when the Government should institute a compulsory insurance scheme. That the. lime has arrived when the Pensions Act rml superannuation schemes at present in operation -should 'on rearranged with a view of levelling up pensions lo "."ncet th« increased cost, of living' nnd "emove anomalies at present existing,. We affirm that it should be the right of ever) - citizen to enjoy a sufficient (income in their declining years." The fconrercnce will resume at 9.30 this morning.