NO FORCED UNIONISM IN COOK ISLANDS SAYS MR. FRASER
WELLINGTON, May 1. Replying to an allegation that unionism was being forced on the natives of the Cook group, the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) said to-day that there was no compulsory unionism in the group. The facts were that after long discussions among themselves, the workmen employed by the Public Works 1 Department on the aerodrome, the hydro-electric scheme, and by the Agricultural Department, held a meeting at Rarotonga and agreed to form the Cook Island Workers’ Union. The Government, he said, 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 the general conference of 1.L.0. to be held in June, a 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 Nevz 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.
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Grey River Argus, 2 May 1947, Page 5
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205NO FORCED UNIONISM IN COOK ISLANDS SAYS MR. FRASER Grey River Argus, 2 May 1947, Page 5
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