THE NAVY AND THE TRADE UNIONS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 207, 21 May 1918, Page 6

THE NAVY AND THE TRADE UNIONS

--« \ CONCESSION FOR ARMED MERCHANTMEN. A remarkable change in the Admiralty's attitude towards trade unionism afloat is indicated in an order recently issued to tue i'leet (states a correspondent of tho "Daily News"). It is stated that tho Lord Commissioners have had undor consideration representations which have been made on behalf of mercantile marine ratings serving in armed morcttiitilo cruisers and other commissioned ships that reasonable facilities for keeping in touch with' members should be afforded to approved representatives of a union able to show that a considerable proportion of the Ratings nro members of that union. As a result of this consideration, commanding officers are informed that "on receipt of an application from the approved representative of a union at the ship's baeq port, giving reasonable notice, they should grant the requisite permission, subject to the convenience of the service as to date and time." Further, not only are reasonable facilities to be afforded for the collections of members' subscriptions, but

Their Lordships have also authorised the union representative to bring to the commanding officer's notice any grievance of'the mercantile marine ratings which he feels justified, in so doing, and commanding officers should co-operate with the representative with a view to a eettlclrient being reached without delay, or the case reported to the if this cannot be done, on the spot. There is a provifio to the effect that the permission accorded to the union repreventative may be withdrawn at any time "should justifiable cause for complaint; arise." This order, as is seen, 'applies Very strictly only to the mercantile innriue ratings in fighting ships; Mid is in contrast to Hie attitude of tho Admiralty in the same matter towards the regular rank and file of the Fleet. Article II of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions opens thus-. "All combinations of persons belonging to the Fleet formed for the purpose of bringing about alterations in tlio existing regulations or customs of H.M. Naval Service, whether affecting their interests individually or collectively, are prohibited as being contrary to the traditions and practice of the service and injurious to its welfare and discipline. , "