AN EXPLANATION

Evening Post, Issue 28, 1 August 1936, Page 11

AN EXPLANATION

COMPULSORY UNIONISM

MANAGERS AND FOREMEN

"I have noted from reports that have appeared in the Press that a great deal of misunderstanding exists concerning the provisions of. section 18 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, which provides for compulsory unionism," states the Minister of Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong). "It seems to me that an endeavour is being made. to place an interpretation on the Act that was never intended. ■

"Section 18, in a few words, requires all workers who are subject to any award or industrial agreement to be members of the industrial union or trade union bound by that award or industrial agreement. Sub-section (1) states that it shall not be lawful for any employer bound by an award to employ or continue to employ any adult person who is not for the time being a member of an industrial union of workers bound by the award or who is not a' member of a trade union which was registered as such before May 1, 1936, and which is bound by the award.

"It has been stated that this < subsection' relates to all employees in the industry whether covered' by the award or-not. My interpretation is that it applies to those persons in the industry whose conditions of employment are prescribed by the particular award. Unless the award makes provision for managers or foremen the compulsory unionism provisions do not apply. It should be pointed out that it is- not usual to cover managers or foremen in awards. There are exceptions, such as the grocers' assistants' award and the dairy factory managers' award. In large establishments, however, managers and persons in control are not covered by awards or industrial agreements. .■■.....

"I am surprised that there has been any suggestion that managers, or foremen should be forced into unions. It is very doubtful whether many unions desire them to be members or would even admit them to membership.