THE VALUE OF COMBINATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18049, 24 September 1920, Page 10

THE VALUE OF COMBINATION.

TO THK EDITOR. Silt, —An advertisement appearing in your paper for the last day or two has been the subject of discussion annongst a few of mv clerk friends, tho general opinion being thai it w&s a result of the lack of combination among their class in the post. Tho advertisers (a "leading firm") require the eeTvices of a "temporary clerk; writes, £2 10s per week; testimonials required, etc." Personally, I would want a" reference from this firm as to thedr ability to pay these magnificent wages. Seriously, however, I would like to know how these people orpcct a clerk —evidently required to bo of age and qualifications—to live at the present lime-on the salary offered, ond to kee/p decently honest. It is clearly pntting temptation in a young ™y- if he fell he would bo gaoled, whilst tho firm would get off soot free. Tho temporary nature of the work calls for increased pay any -way, and enough could! not bo earned m two months to buy clothes and boots nt tho rate quoted. The Clerks' Union as steadily gaming ground, and when firmly established and an award obtained it would bo useless for such art advertisement to appear. One does not see similar ridiculous wages offered for carpenters,- blacksmiths shop aesistanta, labourers, etc., because they properly protected by their awards. Clerks can enjoy .the same prirOo-ge, but only by joiomg a registered union, not an cssociation, guild, etc., -whUSi latter are invariably und<jr tho control of the employer® and have no legal standing. Clerks can rest ;!i*.vnrcd that joining a union does not nooescanly mean that tliey are identified with any extremist movement. They manage their affairs in their own way and as the-/ like aad combine to batter themselves in exactly the same way as their employers have nlreadv done.—l am, etc., J • Otficiaj. Clerks' Uniok.