RURAL WORKERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9619, 27 March 1917, Page 6

RURAL WORKERS

MAKE A NEW MOVE TOWARDS THE ONE BIG UNION. A movement is on foot amongst tho rural workers of the Dominion which has as its end the amalgamation of the existing unions with tho Australian Workers’ Union, tho most powerful labour organisation in Australasia. Mr C. Grayudler, secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Union ot Workers, speaking to a “Times” reporter, said that his union had passed a resolution affirming the desirability of linking up with the A.W.U., witich is tlie great organisation of Australian shearers. He stated that a ballot of members would bo taken at an early date on the question, and he fully expected that authority would be given hv members fur tho union with the Australian body. It had been ascertained that there ivere no legal difficulties in the way. In the event ot amalgamation, the New Zealand unions would become absorbed in. the A.W. U., and constitute a local branch of that organisation, with full autonomous powers to elect their own executive officers and organisers. The matter will receive attention at the forthcoming conference of the A.P.U., which meets in Wellington next month. Mr Grayndlcr is ot opinion that the advantages to tho rural workers of being members of tho A.W.U. would be very great, and that there is little doubt but that by tho beginning of next year tho amalgamation will bo an accomplished fact. Any alteration to the constitution of the A.P.U. which might be necessary in order to complete' the union of the two bodies would be made. It is anticipated tlrtit other Now Zealand unions would follow the example of the rural workers. in which case the A.W.U. would become a vast organisation, covering the whole of the Commonwealth and Now Zealand.