THE CASE FOR THE UNION.
Sir, The position of the clerks in Auckland reminds me very much of the Irishman's dog. This dog had been kicked and cuffed for years, and one day actually turned round on its aggressor. _ For years past the conditions ot clerks in this city have gone from bad to worse. »In some caies wages have been reduced to meet the extra demands of other trade unionists for higher wages. In a large number of cases, when male vacancies have occurred, the firms concerned have taken in female labour at a much reduced rate, while in the great majority of cases the wages of clerks have remained stationary. All this time the rate of living has gone "up, with the result that', taken as a whole,, the clerical profession is without exception the worst paid in this city. In these days it seems only natural and reasonable for the artisan to form a union and declare his demands, but when the clerk, who is in an infinitely worse position, swallows his false pride and does likewise, , he is looked upon as a most dangerous character, and is reviled, singled out, and subjected to petty and spiteful tyranny. A number of employers have already intimated their agreement to the demands, and wished the organisation every success. The proposal to place female labour on the same level as male labour seems to be hitting some rather hard. Now, sir, I am not aware that the lady solicitor, the lady accountant, or the lady doctor have any special concessions made to them to enable them to follow their respective professions in competing with men in the same spheres. They have to pass the same examinations, are 'allowed exactly the same privileges, can charge the same fees, in other words, they are recognised as man's equal. Why then this difference with the lady clerk ? A number of critics have hurled the epithet of "incompetent" at the members of the union. X am familiar with the personnel of'the union, and have a knowledge of the positions they occupy in this city, and I can assure the critics that the members, as a body, can hold their own with any similar body of men in this city. In conclusion, I would appeal to all broadminded clerks, both male and female, to consider their true interests, and not be led away by herrings across the trail. F. H. Pickering, President United Clerks' Union of Auckland
THE CASE FOR THE UNION.
New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14849, 28 November 1911, Page 5
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