MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 November 1936, Page 9

MOTUEKA

(From Our Own Correspondent)

NEW ZEALAND WORKERS’ UNION

MEETING OF TOBACCO EMPLOYEES

Mr R. Eddy, president of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, visited Motueka and discussed the question of hours and rates of pay with the employees engaged in Iho tobacco industry, prior to meeting representatives of the growing industry, with the object of finalising an agreement under the Act. Mr Goring, Nelson representative of the Workers’ Union, who had convened the meeting, said that it came within the province of the New Zealand Workers’ Union to arrange an agreement for the tobacco workers and, with that objeiG m view, Mr Eddy had decided to visit the district and confer with the employees. .Mr Eddy explained the constitution of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, and referred to the many agreements that had been finalised recently and to the much improved conditions that had been brought about in the interests of the workers generally. Three conferences had been held with the Fruitgrowers’ Federation, and, although the agreement had still to be completed, he could say they “had got 75 per cent, along the road.’’ They realised, however, that fruit was a national asset and did not wish to take a narrow view of anything that pertained tp the industry. An unorganised body of workers would never get anywhere, the speaker said. They must be united. He suggested, in the case of tobacco employees, that they set up a committee to go into the question of hours, conditions and rates of pay and then present their case to the employers He was in the position of a “pleader’’ for the workers, but they needed the assistance of a special committee, who were fully acquainted with the position. Mr Eddy explained the procedure in the case of claims under the Workers’ Compensation Act and its safeguards for the worker.

In regard to the tobacco industry MiEddy said he was of the opinion that the Government would help any industry that was not paying a fair thing to the workers engaged in that industry. It might take some time to finalise the agreement with the representatives of the tobacco growers, but it would be done. Tobacco workers were the worst paid workers in New Zealand, and they were out to improve their lot. It was unanimously resolved “That this meeting of tobacco workers compliment the New Zealand Workers’ Union on their efforts in the interests, of the workers and also that the meeting has confidence in the N.Z.W.U. and resolved to form a Tobacco Workers’ section of it.” A committee was elected to further the proposals outlined by Mr Eddy.