"LABOUR DEMANDS."

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 20, 25 January 1911, Page 11

"LABOUR DEMANDS."

TO THE EBITOH. Sir, — The Post of Friday last contained a statement headed ''Labour Demands." As this is a matter that concerns my union, I feel called upon to say that I know nothing about some of those demands. "Labour demands" is a comprehensive term, but, in this case, it has a local application were the details what they should be. When the matter was' discussed at a small, unrepresentative meeting it was agreed that a minimum wage of ten shillings per day be demanded, and 44 hours per week to constitute a week's work. I was not one of those who agreed to thie dual demand at the present time. The> claim for 12s per day for tunnel and lumber men must have undergone a process of manipulation since the meeting 'that adopted the proposals was held. Anyhow, classification is opposed to the fraternal spirit of unionism: The employer will always classify. If he cannot pay lower wages he will pay higher wages to those most capable. In most occupations competency is a matter of opinion. But, if there is anyone capable of judging, it is the person who pays for effort of any s,ort. Even fix-, ing a minimum wage might cause loss of employment to some men. If the wage is considered too high, the employer may discriminate. It is strange how people betray euch tender solicitude for the credulous and guileless navvy at this junction, when a municipal election is coming on. There was not 5 per cent, of the union members consulted in this demand, and it looks presumptuous on the part of a few people to arrogate to themselves the right of involving others in a change that may lead to strife. There is no use in making demands that are impossible of realisation — demands that invite defeat. Indeed, it looks as if this is the object. There are many things got up by_ union secretaries with ulterior objects in view — those who run with the hare and hunt with the hound. Some of these gentlemen get surreptitiously on the high horse, and look down contemptuously on the belated "grafter" down below. I have no other object in writing thus but to see that the opinion of the union is fully voiced in any new departure that may seriously affect it, A few weeks ago it was decided to form a deputation, to be elected from a general meeting of the union. This, however, has been ignored by four persons calling themselves an executive council — a high-sounding name, but nebulous — who appointed themselves without any constituents. I am requested by a large number of unionists to protest against this Tooley-street business, and make it known that these people have no mandate to enter into any negotiations on their behalf. — I am, etc., . P. SHANNON. Wellington, 23rd January.