CLERICAL WORKERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 41, 16 August 1941, Page 11

CLERICAL WORKERS

CONTROL OF UNION

DISSATISFACTION FELT

A CHANGE SOUGHT • Expressing its dissatisfaction with the present state of affairs in the Wellington, Taranaki, and Maryborough Clerical Workers' Union, a section of the members have organised ther.iiselv'es under the name of the Revision [Committee, with the avowed object of "originating a movement for the democratic control" of the union. In a circular to members, the committee explains the reasons for its action, and submits the names of its nominees for [ the administrative positions in the [ union. 1 "The aim of the committee is to ■ place the union on a basis of sound ! democratic non-political organisation," i states the circular,, "It aims at a union or, guild of clerical workers which will provide 'economical government of ■ our affairs by ourselves and for our- . selves. The Revision Committee is dissatisfied with the present state of af--1 fairs, and finds there is general dissatisfaction. Perhaps the most apparent and widespread ground for complaint relates to the unnecessarily high subscription fixed by the management : committee. GROUNDS OF UNREST. 'The principal grounds of unrest are: ; (1) The present constitution of the ; union; (2) its political affiliations and commitments; (3) the personnel oi' its committee; (4) the unintelligible and unfair nature of its rules; (5) the burden of the dues and subscriptions and the distasteful and expensive methods pt collection; (6) the non-circulation to members of any,financial statement whatsoever. "The movement so far has been confined to Wellington except for key contacts in the bigger provincial towns," continues the circular. "It is now proposed to approach and seek the support of members throughout the whole district covered by the union. At the present time pur executive committee is trying to find a basis for amicable agreement with the existing committee of the union for the adoption of a revised set of rules to facilitate other reforms. It seemed desirable to explore the possibilities of amicable co-operation for this reform,- but in any event it remains one of our major objectives. PARTY FUNDS. "The Revision Committee and many of its supporters attended 'the annual meeting of the union on July 7 last, resulting in a record attendance. "It was clearly demonstrated that operating under the existing rules and control, we cannot look for much progress towards our goal. It was, however, moved that steps be taken to end the affiliation with a political party and that no further payment of members" funds be made to that or any party It was decided that a postal ballot be taken on these questions and you should be communicated with later for that purpose. It would appear that in the last five years approximately £ 1250 of our money has been paid to a political party without any reference at all to the political convictions of our members. "We desire to end this state of things and we ask you to be in readiness to respond to the approaches of members in your town."'