INDUSTRIAL UNIONS

Otago Witness, Issue 3337, 27 February 1918, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNIONS

CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES. ' LONG- LIST OF REMITS. The con/erence of delegates of industrial unions convened by the Otago Labour S>uncil was held in the Trades Hall on e 20th, -when 61 delegates were present. The President of tho Otago Labour Counoil (Mr W. J. Rustonj opened the proceedings, and explained that the arrangements for the conference had been made by the council. The council sincerely hoped that the conference would be successful. Mr Ruston them asked the meeting to elect a chairman, and the Hon. J. T. Paul was appointed. The procedure having been settled and other routine matters provided for, .the Chairman formally opened the conference. Ha expressed his pleasure at the satisfactory representation of industrial unions in tho city, and said he was fully of the opinion that the conference would be fruitful and of benefit to organised labour. The business of dealing with the various remits was then proceeded with. The Cordial Workers' Union submitted the following remit:—"That this conference deplores the attitude which the present Government took in relation to the extension of its life, and, in view of the serious misgovernment of the' country and seething discontent of the people, is of the opinion that it is imperative that a general election _ should bo held this year."—After a full discussion the remit was adopted. The Otago Metal Workers' Assistants' Union presented the following remit: — " That unions be asked to consider and, if agreed to, to initiate- a half-yearly prepaid contribution card, such card to be issued at a reduced rate."—Carried. The conference was then adjourned till Thursday of this week. The remits to be considered are as follow : Coach Workers.—" That a system of transfers bo inaugurated (between the unions so that a unionist will pay his subscription into the union under whose award he is working, and that no entrance fee be charged." Tailoresses.—" That in view of the great extensions in the employment of female labour in the dominion it is imperative for the protection of all workers (both male and female) that immediate consideration be given to the question of protecting their industrial interests by collective organisation, believing _ that such organisation will accomplish similar benefits for unorganised women workers as it has for those already organised." Engineers.—" An amendment of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act to. provide for the registration of the recognised general rules of Trade Unions, including benefit rules, without restriction." Drivers.—" That the conference confirm a policy of compulsory unionism, and make this part of a political platform in the future elections that Labour may , contest. Also, and through the conference, that is to be held in July, for the necessary amendments to the_ Conciliation and Arbitration Act." Engineers.—" (1) A combined request to the Minister of Labour protesting against the attitude adopted by the local Inspector of Factories m the policing and enforcement of the different awards. (2) Proper hygienic conditions for the workers." .Engineers.—" The establishment of a cooperative store or stores.". Drivers. —"That this union recommends conference to adopt a system of co-opera-tive stores for the purpose of endeavouring to lessen the cost of living. We suggest that a deputation bo set up n-om the conference for tne purpose of waiting on unions to ask for donations, and that a, board of management be set up to put the matter on a sound business footing, with the object of selling the necessaries of life at a muoh lower rate than they are at present available." Otago Metal W T orkers' Assistants. —"That this union recommends the Otago Labour Council to report upon: (1) The probable effect of the war and war settlements — 'financial,' 'political,' and 'industrial'— upon the development of New Zealand. (2) The repatriation of returned soldiers with a view to protecting their interests and aiding the prosperity of tho dominion." Canister Workers. —"That, in the opinion of this conference, the Otago Labour Council should give its immediate attention to further improving and strengthening the industrial side of the Labour movement, and, where possible, should endeavour to obtain the co-operation of all unions with the Otago Labour Representation Committee with a view to the fullest expression of Labour being given at the general election." Soft Goods Union. —" It is desirable for this open conference of unions to inquire into the advisability or otherwise for tho furtherance of the amalgamation of allied trades into federal groups locally. (2) To further organisation it is desirable that each industrial body of workers pay an annual sum into a fund to be devoted entirely to the education of the workers, such fund to be operated by the District Council."