UNIONISM AND WAGES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 18, 26 February 1914, Page 9

UNIONISM AND WAGES.

INCREASES THE OBJECTIVE. OTHER POINTS NEGLECTED. "I am afraid that this is one of the many cases where workmen's minds have "been so filled with the thought of increased income at the one point, that they have neglected the methods adopted as discounting its value at other points." This statement was made by .the Hon. John Barr last night, at a meeting of the Canterbury Carpenters' Union. Mr Barr had dealt trenchantly with the recommendation of the Conciliation Council in regard to underrate workers' permits, contending in effect that it allowed permits to be issued to the veriest tyro with hammer and saw. "It is an evil that has crept into the ranks of trade unionism,'' Mr. Barr continued. "When you say you will go bald-headed for an' increase in wages they cheer you, but they neglect other conditions where that inci'ease is nullified, and the general position of the worker is worse than before. "It is not what you get per hour or per" day, but other conditions that preserve your trade, and create an annual income. If you have anything to reduce your annual income, what value is it to get an increase in the rate of wages, if in the same award you have some provision whereby you get a less amount of work in the year? Put your 1/6 increase against that loosely drafted underrate workers' clause. "You get an increase, but, on the other hand, you say: 'Come on, all you wood-choppers! All you bush whackers in the country! Come and join our union!' - "The wharf labourers got their increase in wages in 1912, but they found their ranks became so filled that their monthly, quarterly, or annual income was so much less that they were in a worse position than before they got the increase. "Sometimes you will better your conditions, and not put a penny piece on your wages. Unless you can get that under-rate workers' clause improved, so that a five years' service at the trade must have been put in by the applicant, I am afraid for the worst. Your secretary himself could enumerate scores of men in the past to whom permits could not be given, as they had not worked 1 as carpenters for the five years required by the old award. He would tell them that he was ' sorry, old man, 3 but he really would not bo sorry. The five years' service was a\ great safeguard for your union, and *we must try to have it retained."