THE NEW UNIONISM IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 38, 8 November 1917, Page 8

THE NEW UNIONISM IN AUSTRALIA

COMMON-SENSE IDEALS. Tho first object of the newly-consti-tuted Grain and Flour Workers' Union (states the Melbourne "Argus"), as set forth in its rules, is to secure justice to all members. But at the same time it aims at establishing harmonious relations between employers and employees, a thing which tho unionism of the old order ha.s utterly failed lo do. Tho rules also provjdo .that the union shall not be affiliated or connected with any other union, and that it will not be a party to nny strike, whethor on its own behalf or in synipatby with any other union, and all disputes shall be settled by conference- between the employer and employees. At a general meoting of the new organisation Senator l)o Largie, a former treasurer of the Waterside Workers' Federation, who was present bir invitation, delivered an address, in which he emphasised the' need for a sano nnd senBible unionism. TTie wharf labourers of Australia, owing mainly to tho unselfish efforts of Mr. Hughes, their former president, had enjoyed better conditions than any other unskilled workers in the world, but a madness bad taken possession of them, and they had wandered far from the path which they as trades unionists had set out to travel. In moving a voto of thanks to the speakers, Mr. F. 13. Bateman mentioned that the rules of Iho Loyal Waterside Workers' Association, of which he is {be organising secretary, provided that every married man -should have two voles. Their wives would thus be given an opportunity to express their opinion regarding the merits of a dispute, and it might be taken for granted that strikes would occur with less frequency in tho future.

The terms of tho agreement with Hie employers were explained by tho chairnun, who said thut the rates and renditions would bo the same us those granled under the award. The ordinary rale fur work on wheat would be 2s nn hour, with an additional lOjd. an hour for overtime. Flour workers would receive Is. 9d. an hour ordinary time, and 2s. 7M. an hour for overtime, and work done on holidays, either on when): or flour, would bo paid for at the rato of 3s. 6d. nn hour.