THE CLERICAL WORKERS’ UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23225, 24 June 1937, Page 7

THE CLERICAL WORKERS’ UNION

TO THE EDITOR Sir.—After reading in this morning’s paper the most interesting letter written by “Amused,” concerning the Otago Clerical Workers Industrial Union of Workers. I feel I must just add one or two other facts which were not mentioned and which are rather interesting. As the public is, no doubt, not aware, the lady members subscriptions to the above union are at the rate of 9d per week or 6s per quarter in advance, the same subscriptions being paid by the male members of the union. At the annual meeting of the union, held last Thursday, a .question was addressed to the chairman about this high fee, as it was stated by the questioner that it did not seem quite fair that the female workers should pay the same as the male workers when the formers’ wages were just 5s over one half of what the nien are paid, and this is according to the award. The secretary did not even give the chairman time to try to answer the question put before hjni, but jumped up and told the meeting that the union, was in such great need of money that he hoped the female workers would not complain about their subscriptions at present. May I here point out that the secretary was quite out of order, as he. is a paid servant of the union, and, unless he is asked by the chairman to supply some information, his place is not to voice his opinion. I may say that in this case the chairman did not ask the secretary, although I do not know whether the chairman would haVe been able to answer the question. Along with many others, I was absolutely disgusted, at the way in which the meeting was conducted, and it was obvious that if anything was brought up which the chairman and secretary did not want discussed, it was squashed as soon as possible. '» - The union is definitely a Labour one at present, although I was told, just before the union was formed, that it would have nothing whatever to do with the Labour Government, and. of course, I was frightfully amused when I heard- that 16 guineas had been spent to have the Otago Clerical Workers Industrial Union of Workers affiliated with the Labour Party. This move, the secretary stated, was a vital one to the union. Hoping that a full attendance of members will be present at the next meeting,— lam, etc., June 23. Justice. TO THE EDITOR Sir,—lt was with the greatest interest I read the letter by “Amused” in connection with the Otago Clerical Workers’ Union, and I must congratulate the writer of it upon the able manner in which the letter was compiled in regard to the union meeting held last Thursday evening. It was certainly to the point, and gave a good indication of what occurred—probably an eye-opener to many. One little point which was omitted was the dispensing of supper and the hiring of a first-class orchestra. Surely an unnecessary expense, since the majority of members did not wish to combine business with pleasure, as was proved by the fact that after the meeting practically everyone left the hall. The orchestra arrived at 9.30 p.m„ and had to fill in time until it commenced to play at 10.50 p.m. This orchestra of three players would not be standing waiting for nothing. I would also like to know what was the use of wasting an hour and a : half of our valuable time if the decision arrived at in .voting on the secretary s salary was not adhered to, some gentlemen stating that this matter would be reviewed in six months time. There is something wrong somewhere. , . Well, I think, after what occurred a., the last meeting members will agree with me that it will be as well to come in force to the next meeting and express their views, as every member has a right to do; —I am, etc., Conscript.