UNITED FEDERATION OF LABOR

Evening Star, Issue 17085, 2 July 1919, Page 7

UNITED FEDERATION OF LABOR

ORGANISATION DIFFICULTIES. ONE BIG UNION REJECTED. [From Oca Speoau Cokbespgndbni.l WELLINGTON, July 1. Tho annual conference • of the Federation of Labor promises to be the quiestest in its history and numerically the smallest, on account of an amendment in the constitution adopted last year. Thirteen delegates representing tha Auckland, Christchurch. Dunedin, and [Southland District Councils and West-port Workers-’ Union wore present. Tha conference approved tho constitution of the National Industrial Alliance of Labor, wad recommended its adoption. They also cmlorocd the executive's action in affiliation, and instructed tho incoming executive to renew affiliation. .Iu this connection I am credibly informed that a serious difficulty has occurred. Alliance, was agreed on by a cor.-teroncc of r-eprosentotives of the Transport Workers' Advisory Board, including railway-men, drivers, and waterside workers, aJso the A.P.U. and the Federation of Labor. It. is understood that a_ suction of the transport workers, Miners’ Federation, and soarosn recently met and amended theconstitution of the alliance, cutting out the possibility of admission of craft unions and federations. The position is now difficult. The affiance declared in favor of existence with the amended * constitution. The Federation of -Labor to-day endorsed tho original constitution, having no offioia. intimation of the breakaway by the transport workers and wateraidc-rs. The position is delicate, and will require careful haadThe conference endorsed a fivo-day week of 40 hours, and turned down the One Big Union proposal, believing alliance of Lafcox the better way. „ ~ The conference reaffirmed dissatisfaction with tho Arbitration Court and present administration of the Arbitration Act, _ and supported the alternative system of joint control of industry aa laid down in the report of the National Executive on the Conciliation and Arbitration Act issued, some month! ago. ’ . There was strong criticism of tho war Regulations, and their immediate repeal was iirfrecl. . . The Otago district, remit on military tram-, ing" \t3a3 l adopted, with, the addition that _ th© conference declared in favor of tho aooation of compulsory military iraming ami the substitution of physical Ira ining in all schools. , ~ Careful consideration was given t-o ths proposed national conference ot employers and workers on the future control qt industry. r ffi>a conference regretted the dilatory attitude of the Government, and hew decision to delay action until the return of Mr MftSsev mado it impossible to do anytoing m tffe matter until after, the General Mection, when opportune time for t.io con terencs would be past. It was decided that the National Executive should bo located at Auckland for the ensuincr year, v/ith the following oulcers. _ President, Mr T. Blooclwortk; vice-presi-dent, Mr H. Ti. Horning; secretary and treasurer, Mr B. Martin (all. of Auckland). It was decided to support the demand for a universal Saturday half-holiday.