LABOUR.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1655, 23 January 1913, Page 6

LABOUR.

FEDERATION CONFERENCE*

AND ARBITRATION ACT.

QUESTION OF CANCELLATION.

SOME NEflf PROPOSALS.

The conference of union delegates summoned by the Federation of Labour continued its sittings yesterday. The Hon. J. Rigg presided. The report of the proceedings, published-hereunder, is the official one supplied to the press. Telegrams were receivea iroin Messrs Langstono and M'Leou,' or,tne Shearers' union, and Mr. W. D. Johnson, M.L.A., wishing the..-conference every. success in Us deliberations. "

Mr. P. I'raser moved: "That this conference, expresses its whole-hearted sympathy witn the slaughtermen now on strike, ana cordially wishes them every success in their struggle for economic betlernient." .

Ihe resolution was, seconded by Mr. Agar, and ca'rried : with acclamation. It was decided that when any two speakers' had spoken in support of a motion, and no delegate rose to support the opposite.view, the motion be immediately put to the meeting. .The- conference then, proceeded to discuss the order paper. . The first remit, submitted by the Federation of Labour, was moved by Mr. W. l'arry as follows:—"Provided tnat when an industrial uuioh of, workers cancels its registration,' as provided for in Clause 1 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, no union shall bo registered in that industry or in. any part ot'that industry covered by the union which has cancelled its registration, unless a • majority of the members of such organisation. express, by secret ballot, their desire to so register." •Tho resolution was seconded by 'Mr. Coppersmith,-who said that tho question raised was tho most important lor the workers of New Zealand'to-day. Mr. H. Hunter (Christcnurch) strongly supported tho remit, and said that so great was the dissatisfaction existing with tho Arbitration Court in his union that were it not for the probability of a new union being formed under tho Act, they would beforo to-day have cancelled their registration. .•■;'•_.- Mr. Wallace gave concrete illustrations of tho manner in which,the clause in the Act, covered', by the remit, had acted against tho liberty-" of the Freezers' Union. T Mr. Kennedy supported tho motion. Mr, Fulton said that he trusted tho conference would carry the remit. The men who constituted the "scab" unions in Huntly and AVaihi were men only.in stature. ■' . . , '•■■ i Mr. Woodham said that he would oppose the remit, as being undemocratic. Mr. Campbell supported the motion. • Mr. Tregear said that he supported the .motion,with-his whole heart-and'soul, and 'suggested an alteration in the remit pro-, -Tiding"that no union shall bo registered, under- the Arbitration Act after notice of cancellation had been given.' This would prevent such difficulties as recently threatened the slaughtermen after, having given notice of cancellation. . . Mr., Smith opposed tho remit, on the ground that the! more disgusted the workers became with the Act the more rapidly would they seek. other means than arbitration to bring,about their emancipation... '.' . i ■■,"■•■ v Mr. W. T. Young, While agreeing with, the remit, defended the Arbitration Act against many of the accusations ■ mado 1 against it, .'saying that his union" owed' much to its operations. ■'■"; ' ■ Mr. Semplc said that all that was meant, .by, tjio remit..was rule in the'industrial arena. Mr.'Lnuren,'son; when Minister for Labour, had promis:d that the Actwould'be amended and the objectionable feature .underdiscussion would bo eliminated. As'it stood at present, the Act was being used against the original intention of' the franiers of the measure, which, was ~ designed to foster trade unionism." It now being used by .the, employing class'to smash trado unionism, lie was only opposing that particular fcaturo of the Act at this juncture, and though opposed to arbitration generally, ho did notdesiro to foist his views on the conference. - • •■

Mr. M'Lennan .quoted a clause in the rules of .the' Arbitration Union at Hunt-,) ly, which provides that jany person paying ss. per annum niay''become a- member." Ho 1 condemned suoh a; provision ' in strong terms, as ono .that would permit any person to "join a union, irrespective of whether they were workers or not. The Registrar should not register such a clause. It was decided'to appoint a. special committee, Consisting, of Messrs. Tregear, Young, Parry, Sullivan, aild Hickey, to redraft the remit, and report oh the other remits dealing with' the Arbitration Act. The conference adjourned at 11.30 to allow the committee to meet 1 and frame its report. ■ - '• ■*. • , Conference, resumed at 2 p.m. The chairman (Mr; Tregear) of the special'committeo set up in tho morning presented the I following report governing amendments to I the Arbitration Act:— : "'.;'"'

(1) Provided that when-an industrial' union of workers'has officially applied for cancellation of its registration, as provided for in Clause 21 of the Industrial Conciliation and-Arbitration Act, no indus- ! trial union shall be registered in that industry covered, by the union which has officially applied 'for> cancellation of its registration,.unless a majority of the members of the union that has cancelled'its registration, or applied for its cancellation, express by secret ballot, ns provided by the rules of the. said'union, their.,desire.to so register.. . . (2) That Freezers'remit be abolished..

(3) Honorary members of an industrial union shall not be eligible to take any part whatsoever; in the deliberations of such union, or exercise any vote in connection therewith. / '

(4) That a copy of conference resolutions re. Conciliation and Arbitration Act be submitted to each union in New Zealand for its endorsement, along with a request that each such' union appoint a. deputation to lay same before their local member of Parliament,' and urge him to use his influence and-vote in the House-to give effect' to the resolution, by legal enactment. , A■- • ■ . (5) That the Industrial uhd Conciliation Act be amended so that it shall bo competent for an industrial"union by resolution of a special meeting to immediately give notice of its intention to ' cancel registration, which shall lxs ! considered the official application, but before such cancellation snail be' effective it shall bo incumbent utKin such union to satisfy the Registrar that a majority of tho members desiro to so cancel.

(6) That this'conference appoint a deputation of 17 to lay these proposals be-v fore the Government immediately upon completion of the business. Mr. Semplc moved, and Mr. Broadwood seconded, that the report be received.—Carried, s The paragraphs woro dealt with seriatim. No. 1 was. submitted. . ; Mr. Moriarly moved that the paragraph lx> amended to provide for a majority of those ■ voting- in, the ballot-of ""Cancellation deciding tho issue. Mr. .Boreliam' seconded 'the amendment. Mr. Silvcrstone opposed the amendment, as it would establish anything but demooratic government. Mr. King pointed out another side of the matter, and that, was tho possibility - of tho destruction of ballot papers. Mr. Laraey ,wid a note of cancellation might ho reversed within a few weeks under certain circumstances. Speaking for the shearers, he opposed the amendment. Mr. Sullivan'said there was a good deal in the position put by Mr.■ MoHarty. Out of GOO men, 500 might vole for a certain purpose, and JOO against it. and yet no absolute majority he secured. He would vote for tho paragraph, though ho believed Mr. Moriarly .was acting in. the interests of militant unionism. Mr. Campbell contended that if it was necessary to get a majority of members to cancel registration, it was as necessary that a majority of members reverse the cancellation. Mr. Morris wished the question to provide for financial members. Mr. P. .Fr»«e'r pointed out that the whole difficulty lay in tho fact that before . cancellation .'was-'secured a majority of members financial on a \inior».V books for the Drevjous twelve months hnd to' be obtained. If a member paid cue week's,.

dues during tlint twelve months, that moniber was, according to-tho Act, financial. Ho might bo in Australia, Uurope, or America, or even dead, yet his Vote counted against cancellation. Although dead, yet no ':voted" in effect. If that was altered to mean financial in accordance with the rules of the various unions, tlio whole difficulty -would bo got over. Mr. Rogers thought the-proposition of tlio committee, democratically estimated, covered everything. .There was no occasion for an amendment. , Mr. M'icnnnn claimed that the same facilities should bo allowed for cancellation as for registration. He recounted tlto experiences oi tho.Waihi Miners' union.

Mr. Parry believed ■ that if the'word financial' was before "members," the wholo difficulty .would bo overcome. There was a danger in allowing a majority of votes-to cancel registration if vliere'should, happen to-remain a majority of a.unioh;opposed to cancellation. Mr. Tregear; explained that tho financial point raised was covered by the words "as provided,for in the rules." Mr. Douglas opposed tho. amendment for the reason:.that if you were going to have a majority .vo'to in one case you must have it in all cises.

The amendment was defeated on the voices. ; , Paragraphs was submitted and adopted. .7,: ,',.;' ',>.-. .

The remit indicated' read, as follows: "That Section 5 of the I.C. and A. Act bo amended "by■=,adding the following: 'That where of'tho union has been cancelled in any industrial district, no union to.be. registered within two years unless a of,the workers so desire.'" :"'.,■ •, '■, Paragraph 3 ( was submitted. Mr. M'Lennan.; thought -that men not bona fido. workers in .a calling.should be donied membership in thciumori. Mr. Stono also;..thought there was a grave danger In'admitting any honorary members to a'uiiioiC-T /. Mr. Biirgoyn'e,'.;, whilst favouring' the rceoinmendation.'.tb' a,.certain extent, considered that aged members of a union should bo allowed; to retain membership. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out the case of a former working' .bootmaker, now an. employer, who'.was an-, honorary membsr of the union, and had power to oppose the demands of .the federated, bootmaiers.

Mr. Laracy,.thought the. matter was one for the unions.themselves.

Mr..'Armstrong-thought the clause as drafted met all the .'objections raised. ' Mr. Watts said the; honorary members referred to by' Mr. did not attend union meetings. '- ' Mr.- Hawcs .said his union had rules providing' for honorary . members, and did not think .these:, should be debarred from participation- in -.union government. Mr. P. Fraser ..contended that honorary memberships''v;e« absolutely antagonistic to industrial unionism.' Only those unionists actually subjected to certain conditions of work should; have a say in the conditions'.' : .\-...-... ".'..' ... • i ' / ■ Mr. Young kid. he .personally was op-pofi->d to honorary members in any shape or form, :-bnt, tho of the committee'was. that-if unions wished honorary members, the same should not tako part in .«. union's deliberations. Honorary nvembfirs. . had: on» , almost broken up tho Seamen's- Union, and ,it .had-meant 17, -years' hard work to rebuild the union. " Tho provision in tho union at Huhtly' rcgardhig honorary members getting in for ss. was monstrous, '.',-■' r " '. ■ . ■ '• Mr. Hillsden said-his union had ?omo honorarv members who wero very.active iii, union work,' and {but'for them the union 'might/not bo, in existence. -~ Mr. Semple ho. knew a. union that :was controlled by business men through proxy votes. It was. tho Greymouth Watersidcrs'-Union," The worker in an industry was tho manjo settle its union affairs. A - shareholder in tho Huutly mine was ah lionorary member of tho bogus unioh, aM could participate, in the riianagement of • union affairs. ■ It was'moved by Mr. Coy,'and seconded by Mr., Hillsden, that the .following words be added to paragraph 3: "Any union mnv create honorary, members', biit they 'shall,.'at least. : b6' boiia-fide workers in that particular trado or industry of at lc.ast-ten years." r Mr:'"Nbot'- urged-'that, the conditions of I ho'no'rary bd' left .to the unions concerned.'". . ■ '.■ % - Mr. Vdyce | said he felt'justified-in-vot-ing against ,the.' resolution, in order to assist tho Huntly.miners.'-- .-■ " .-■'-■•".:' v

, The proposed addition :was "defeated- on the voices. ■'•.'.':■.•.:■.■.■''■''

■Mr. Whiting,explained that an-honor-ary member of; the"Bootmakers' Federation had no vote! .-Jjootmakcrs' honorary members., Wore dbing no harm. ■:■ Paragraph.4 ,was.submitted, w'ith explantations by Mr. Tr'egcar. Adopted. The following' addition; was - moved: "And that steps be' taken at tho next general election, or any previous by-elec-tion, to oppose all members of; Parliament and Parliamentary candidates who will not pledge .themselves to support and vote for the "proposed amendments to the I.C, and'A, Act,' carried at this conference. .Moved' by Mr. Fraser,'- ssc-' onded by, Mr.. Hunter;-and'carried. Paragraph,s was. submitted.. ■■■•■•'.' Mr, Trogear said - the' committee had been informed' thht'MtWas. difficult iii cases to get tho,ballot' papers out quickly, and during-the. time of balloting a bogus, union, might ;bo formed,, and its application for registration' put in. ' The paragraph dealt- with this possibility. Mr. Fraser moved that tho - members referred to bo-financial, according to the rules of the .union. .-.,■•■

..Mr; Young,said that what thoy wanted to get was that the union' should have tlio right to put in notice Of cancellation immediately on a resolution of a special meeting being-carried to'that effect, and that the ballot lor 'confirmation of such should be a subsetiueut matter. Mr. Ralph' endorsed Mr. Young's' : remarks. ■ ..:■■--.'•••■■:• ....

.'■■' Mr. Moriarty-said'a'big effort'seejned to be afoot to make it easy'.to securo/cancellation and difficult' to, secure re-regis-tration. Ho trusted- the,.' paragraph would be'!rejected.;". ; . • ■' . .. ' Mr. Hickey said Mr,'Moriarty road, into the' paragraph.'sdmethiiig that .was not there. . • The ' purport; of the paragraph wasto prevent.the formation or' a bogus union .between- the' : time'. 1 the legitimate union decided to take the. ballot and tho intimation of tlie result. '

Mr. Laracy.'supp'orted the paragraph, and considered Mr, .'Moriarty's contention without justification. ;. : , , , : ''. ' Mr. : Frascr's-nineiidmcnt' was : incorporated in the paragraph,'.' and ; the latter adopted on the voices, . ' Paragraph 6 was. submitted. On the discussion; tho: chairman was asked if the ■ legislation . contemplated could be made retrospective. Mr. M'Lcn : nan, the questioner, '.explained that unless the legislation was made-retrospective' tho infamous position at "Waihi. and Huntly would never be overcome. Mr. Rigg answerod ■ that Parliament could ' pass ■ retrospective legislation,; but was usually reluctant .to,do 50.., It was perhaps a question of sufficient ■ public promise. '''■■;".;■•.• ■■■ ■ ■ .The paragraph was adopted, as was the report:as a whole.'. '. The following wore elected ns the deputation: Messrs.'Sen)pic,. Fulton, Belcher, Hickey, .Young,.. Parry,. Campbell, Hutchison, Burgoync, Trcgcar, Cooper, Webb,, Noot,',.Hunter,- Sullivan, - Fraser,' andFagan. ■■..-.•" ■/• ■ ■ It was resolved.that the .indnstrialist policy bo the first question considered tho next day. - '-..,; , ~',., During the afternoon it was decided to hold a conference...''"smoke- social" . on Thursday night v at•'-: Young's Private Hotel. ■•'■ :' ' : ■/ Tho conference adjourned at 5 p.m. '