WATERSIDE WORKERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8179, 22 July 1912, Page 3

WATERSIDE WORKERS

AGREEMENT OPERATING SMOOTHLY.

Tho annual report of the ‘Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union states:— ‘‘The executive has been called upon on several occasions to assert the rights ot tha organisation, to compel the observance of the agreement, and to insist on the rights of members being maintained. This has been dono with the least amount of friction possible and the avoidance of_any serious conflict with the employers. It is pleasing to be able to say that this organisation stands to-day, as the most respected militant organisation in the city of Wel”“A°great' improvement haa been shown on the part of employers in the treatment of members. The driving element (which was previously a marked feature of waterside work) has been greatly diminished, and the foremen have shown themselves more ready to assist in the settlement of disputes than hitherto. This conduct, or change in conduct, is due to the organisation standing on a flrtner basis and being free trqm the enervating influence of arbitration. "Members should do all in their power to maintain and increase this disposition by keeping a solid front to tho employing, class, and by giving short shrift to any detractors who may be seeking to undermine the union by circulating false information with the intention of smashing the present system of organisation and dragging the union into the court again. "Members should also continue watchful of the attempts that are being made to draw the union into a political party, recognising that though politics have their place, and are very necessary, they should be kept clear and apart from the Industrial organisation. Any party which seeks to combine the unmixable profession element with industrial toilers must fail as tho party of emancipation. The effect would be a demagogic political despotism which would sap the spirit of revolt which has gained lor us the conditions we have to-day. "As an affiliated branch of the Federation of Labor, and having thereby gained decided advantages for the workers in our industry, it should be members' aim' to stand by this muoh-maiigned but powerful organisation as tho one most likely to advance the position of the workers economically, and as tho one to which ,wo have pledged our fealty. It is fpr industrial unionism and the working class alone, and Now Zealand can only really advance by endorsing its principles and policy."