COMPULSORY UNIONISM

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12865, 20 May 1936, Page 5

COMPULSORY UNIONISM

IS EVERY WORKER AFFECTED?

A KNOTTY CLAUSE

(Press Association). AUCKLAND. May 19.

Clause 16 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment. Bill, as re-drafted by the Labor Bills CommPtee, has been ed to mean that every person employ ed in an industry must join a union. According to Mr W. E. Anderson. secretary -oil the Auckland Employers’ Association. however. that | idea- is 'lncorrect. Thq actual meaning of the clause in his opinion is that compulsory mo fere lice to unionists is established! in respect of any industrial employment, the- conditions of which, aic prescribed, by an award, or agreement. Persons _ employed ini any industry or section ot an industry not covered by an award are, therefore, not bound toi join any union. Tbe test phrase is: “The industry to which tlie award 1 or agreement relates” and the term, “industry” is interpreted to men the class of workers to whom the award or agreement- relates., Any form of employment may be brought within the jurisdiction, of this legislation by the formation of a union, and the making, of an, award* or an agreement. But, uniil this action has been completed. compulsory unionism id effective only in relating to existing unions working under awards; or agreements. Employees in any industry to which the award relates exempted from tbe operation of the award, by a- specific; provision in it will still 1)? exempf- and tho compulsory) preference provisions will not apply to them.