COMPULSORY UNIONISM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 68, 25 November 1949, Page 4

COMPULSORY UNIONISM

Sir, —In reply to your footnote (November 21) I do believe in democracy, but I also believe in every person paying for services rendered, a point you have failed to take into account in my letters. Have I now to understand you approve of getting all you can for nothing. Would you give your services without payment? It is apparent you are not up to date with the Industrial Law of this country. At the present time every officer and every member of_ the executivemust be elected by secret postal ballot. The Returning Officer shall be some independent and reputable person who is neither a member of the executive nor of the Union. If the ‘militants” obtained con- '[ trol under the above conditions, that would be I presume democracy. I hope they never do. That must apply to employers, or otherwise wo go back to what you term “Out of date laws.” I cannot understand that statement, when the National Party talk about “black listing.” I can remember those actions being taken 50 years ago. How do you square it off now, Yours etc. HARRY CARR. We have no desire to “square off” for one political party or the other, y it is not our policy to push, anybody’s barrow, but we do believe in giving credit where it is due, and. adhere to our approval of the National Party’s expressed intention to let the workers decide by secret ballot whether compulsory unionism , is to remain or not. We are naturally aware that there is already provision for. the election of union officials by secret ballots. We have never said or implied that we approve of anyone—unionist or otherwise—getting all he can for nothing. Our idea of a decent industrial set-up is for the employers to pay good men good money for good work. But we do not approve ol workers robbing their employers by V not giving a fair return for their money any more than we approve of employers robbing their workers by paying them inadequately to work under poor conditions. Editor.