LIFE ASSURANCE AGENTS

Evening Star, Issue 21037, 26 February 1932, Page 11

LIFE ASSURANCE AGENTS

PROPOSAL TO FORM UNION At a meeting of agents, representative of most companies operating in New Zealand, held in the Cafe Broadway, the proposal to form an association was considered. Mr J. Gilchrist (convener') occupied the chair, and in opening the meeting, said that a very large number of agents and assistant superintendents had expressed the wish to have some kind or organisation, union, or association. He did not think that the formation of such a body would bo opposed except by a very few. He would put before the meeting a few items ot a working programme as a basis for discussion. But would like the opportunity to be afforded a larger number of agents before anything definite was decided upon. The following programme was then discussed:—That the present agreements and regulations of the companies under which the agents and assistant superintendents had to work should be withdrawn. and. fresh ones drawn up, in conjunction with the proposed association; that the present bond agreements should be modified and made to cover only cash shortages; that all extra clerical work and necessary travelling expenses should be remunerated; that a minimum commission should be paid; that every effort should be made to establish a basic or minimum wage; that the way should be prepared for the agents to secure . legal recognition as employees, entitled to a basic wage; that the agent should. be held responsible only for the business he had obtained, and for the period for which he had been paid, and for tho number of weeks corresponding with the number of times he had been paid for the business; and that all trade unions be appealed to asking their members to demand that every agent obtaining their insurance business should be a member of the proposed association of life insurance agents, collectors, and canvassers. An interesting discussion followed and an instructive talk on the work now being done by the. American Life Assurance Agents’ Union was given by one of the agents present. The convener was asked to call another gathering, to be held on an afternoon.