FEDERATED BOOTMAKERS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 222, 31 December 1910, Page 5

FEDERATED BOOTMAKERS

UNIONISTS BECOME CAPITALISTS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. • Dunedin, Last Night. The Federated Bootmakers' Conference decided that the time was ripe for the federation to start a boot factory, and that a committee of five be set up to draft a scheme, for the purpose ot bringing the proposal into operation. "SPEEDING-UP" OBJECTED TO. Dunedin, Last Night. The conference of delegates of the Federated Bootmakers Union was continued this morning, when the following resolutions were carried: "That the conference urges upon the Government the advisability of again introducing legislation early next session providing for branding of goods made in New Zealand with the words 'Made in New Zealand,' and also the manufacturers-' name."

A committee of five was appointed to draft a scheme dealing with this matter, to report subsequently to the conference. A long discussion took place on the motion, delegate after delegate quoting cases of employers forcing workers to do more work with corresponding increase in remuneration, .Instance*" were given, and statements produced, showing the system worked in England, which was satisfactory both to the employer and employee. At tlie present time, although the employees worked on a weekly wage, the employers fixed the price paid for the operation they were engaged upon, so that the wages could be computed, and that being so, employees claimed a voice in saying wlint rate shall be paid for the purpose of computing their weekly wage. It was contended that the practice of ''speeding up" was increasing, and the conference was of opinion that something must be done to protect employees. Considerable feeling was shown over the matter. The conference completed the amendments to the local and federation rules, and also the drafting of amendments to the female workers' award.