NO COMPULSION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 2 May 1947, Page 3

NO COMPULSION

COOK GROUP UNIONISM MR. FRASER’S STATEMENT (P.A.) WELLINGTON. May 2. Replying to an allegation that unionism was being forced on the natives of the Cook Group, the Prime Minister, said today that there was no compulsory unionism in the group. The facts were that after long discussions among themselves the workmen employed by the Works Department on the aerodrome hydro-electric scheme and the Agricultural Department held a meeting at Rarotonga and agreed to form a Cook Islands Workers’ Union. The Government had for some time had the intention of making the necessary legislative provisions permitting the formation of unions, both of employers and employees, in the group, but compulsory unionism was not intended. Mr. Fraser added that at a general conference of the 1.L.0. to be held in June, the draft convention would be considered concerning the right of association and the settlement of labour disputes in non-metropolitan territories. The draft convention provided for unions of employers and employees. The Government of New Zealand subscribed to these principles and would support the convention. In the meantime. by enabling a trade union to be formed in the Cook Islands, the Government was putting these principles into effect.