LABOUR NOTES

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 66, 15 September 1917, Page 11

LABOUR NOTES

An interesting subject is broached in the last issue of Tho Watereider in an article on waterfront co-operative labour. "Almost everyone," states the writer, "who has had any experience of waterfront work will'admit the' present method of employing labour is unsatisfactory. The workers spend at least one-third of their time chasing the elusive job. . . .

The only solution to waterfront labour employment (under a wages system)' would be that the union should take on co-operatively (with all its'members ._ as co-partners) the loading and discharging of all vessels .trading to the port, with full control of ,the distribution of labour and supervision of tho job. Whatever system is employed, one fundamental must be observed—that _ is, the union or federation shall appoint the overseers and pay —not a piecework rate—but an hourly, daily, or weekly wage to the workers engaged in the industry." It is admitted that there are disadvantages, and one Of these is stated —the limitation of membership if enforced idleness is nob to obtain as at present. One can think of other objections, but it would be interesting to eeo tho question thoroughly diecussed with a reference to any precedents. Me A. H. Hindmavsh, M.P., in the course of the municipal election campaign, referred to some such system in Denmark. In Australia, not long ago, when trouble arose regarding the fitting out of transports, the Minister for tho Navy decided to entrust.the work to tha various unions—with no_ contfaotor intervening. How the experiment resulted has not been stated. :