DOMESTIC WORKERS’ UNION.

Evening Star, Issue 22353, 1 June 1936, Page 2

DOMESTIC WORKERS’ UNION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir^—May I comment on your lender of May on the proposed union of domestic workers. Whilst conceding that there are almost insurmountable difficulties in connection _ with the formation of such a union, it must be admitted by most fairminded people that improvement in the position of the domestic worker regarding hours and wages is overdue. In this city, instances of treatment regarding both work and wages wore given at various meetings of a committee held last year to gather knowledge of conditions of work and payment of domestic workers —even well-qualified workers—which would scarcely be credited. A report by Dr I. Magnus to the 1.L.0., Geneva, 1035, regarding this kind of employment showed that one of its handicaps was tho lengthy hours, and a local agent stated of a vacant position where tho wages and conditions were good,' that she could not fill it, owing to the long day service required of the worker. I therefore read with pleasure in your issue that Mr Cornwall, Secretary of tho Trades and Labour Council, Wellington, has every intention of interesting himself further in connection with this problem. Perhaps the Press would assist in tho matter by asking for, and giving space to reading matter, short plays, etc., to _ educate tho public to the idea that their wholehearted support is required to eliminate injustices so evidently suffered at present by workers in this class of employment.—l am etc., May 30. L.G.