LABOURERS' UNION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16465, 29 June 1921, Page 7

LABOURERS' UNION

The annual meeting of the Canterbury General Labourers’ Union was held last evening. The secretary reported that a large and satisfactory increase had taken place in the membership, both at Christchurch and in branches at Ashburton and Tininru. during the past twelve months. New awards and agreements had been secured covering the builders, contractors and general labourers. quarry workers and wool and grain store section. Attention should he drawn to the value of unionism at the present time, when attempts were being made to lower the of livinc of tho worker. That was clearlv shown hv the local bodies and countv councils in and around North Canterbury. Those who were parties to the general labourers' award were paying to their employees a minimum of Is 103 d per hour, or 15s 2d per day. the award rate, while county councils and road boards not parties to that award had met and decided to pay their employees the most inadequate wage of 11s per day. That to the worker meant a difference of 4s 2d per day. or £1 3s per week. Remarks were made by several members condemning the action of those bodies as showing no consideration for their employees, and calling upon these workers to get together and organise for their mutual protection. Mr J. Walker was rc-clected president. Delegates to the Trades and Labour Council. Labour Representation Committee, Building Trades’ Fodernt„ ,n and the Workers’ Educational Association were appointed.