PIECEWORK OPPOSED

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 18, 16 October 1933, Page 10

PIECEWORK OPPOSED

Relief Workers’ Stand MOTION OF PROTEST Opposition to the introduction of piecework on relief works was voiced by several speakers at a meeting called by the Wellington Relief Workers’ Union last evening, and at the conclusion a motion strongly protesting against the proposed piecework system and urging the Government not to proceed with it was carried without dissent The motion also pledged support for the union in its campaign against the system. Mr. P. Fraser. M.P., said that the relief workers’ situation should be improved, instead of being made worse by the introduction of piecework. Mr. Berny, president of the Canterbury Unemployed Workers’ Association, told of the operation of the system there. He said that it was the Government’s last battle to avoid paying sustenance. The relief worker luid not given full wage value for relief fl nd piecework was an attempt to get it. Any action taken to resist piecework by the Wellington relief workers would be supported by. the Christchurch men. he said. Mr. F. P. 'Walsh, president of the Seamen’s Union, said that the prophecy that tlie Unemployment Act would destroy trade unionism was unfortunately coining true, and said that as a result of the piecework system the weak would be thrown on the scrap heap. All local unions of relief workers should unite to resist the system. Other speakers were Messrs. W. D. Southwark. A. ’E. Sergent, T. Kelly, J. Tait, and B. Newman.