PUBLIC OPINION

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12252, 25 September 1925, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION

WHAT IS TRUE UNIONISM ? (To the Editor “N.Z. Times.”) Sir.—ln the discussion which took place at the Harbour Board meeting with reference to the present hold-up of British ships at this port, Mr C. H. Chapman is reported to have said: “There was an understanding among unionists that when their fellowunionists were in trouble they stood by them.” When that is put forward as an excuse for the action of supporting a minority of malcontents against the decision of their own union, it is seen to he an utter sham. It is no use Mr Chapman seeking to cover the true facts of the case with some specious phrases. Everybody knows that certain officers and members of unions here in New Zealand are supporting the strikers in their attempt to override the British Sailors’ and Firemen’s Union. That union is in trouble, and we would like to ask Mr Chapman why he and other trade unionists here, do not stand by the British Union ? The present hold-np is a non-unionist strike, and yet we find men who call themselves unionists supporting it. In this very speech of Mr Chapman’s he misrepresented the position by saying that “the men were accustomed to complete a voyage at a certain wage and therefore would ’not like to have a reduction made during such voyage.” Now it is not true that the men are engaged to complete a voyage at a fixed wage. Mr Chapman as a public man, should be asiTamed to repeat the lie which has been put into circulation relating to the articles these strikers signed. For some years past the seafarers have signed on at rates which were subject to increase or decrease during the period of the voyage. Last year they got an increase after some of the ships had sailed, and it operated before the voyages were completed. As a trade unionist, Mr Chapman should know that. What action, for instance,' would Mr Chapman take if a minority in his own union defied the decision of the union and called an unofficial, strike? Would he in that case excuse the strikers or uphold his union ?

We submit that _ this question of what is true unionist principle should be decided. Mr Chapman, and other local union officers, might tell the public if they are prepared to take the same attitude towards their own unions as tliev are now taking towards the British Sailors’ and Firemen’s Union, and, if so, what is trade unionism?—Wo are. etc., N.Z. WELFARE LEAGUE.