COMPULSORY UNIONISM

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 22, 26 July 1945, Page 6

COMPULSORY UNIONISM

-Sir,—With regard to the letter by T George on compulsory unionism, one mtist commend the writer for his views on the respect and status of the trade unionist in other countries. I suggest that the reason for this respect is that these countries appreciate the wisdom of respecting the rights and liberties of the citizen as laid down in Magna Carta, and consequently trade unions are composed of men of skill and ability, who o£ their own free will align themselves with men equally qualified. . * Here, in New Zealand, under compulsory unionism, the status of a trade unionist is lowered in the eyes of the employer. As a unionist he only signifies that he is a member of an organisation of people who have been compelled by law to pay a fee in order that they may receive wages. Is not compulsory unionism in line with National Socialism? Did not the Nazis break down the strength of men competent in their trade and genuinely interested. in the recognition of skill and ability, and create organisations with compulsory membership which could be used as a means of moulding political thought? There was no room for individual men of original ideas, initiative, and enterprise. Under the guise of giving protection, did they not make people surrender their rights and liberties in ■ order to achieve power, creating enslavement and fear of the Gestapo? Let us restore freedom of the individual. Let us recognise the wisdom of Magna Carta, particularly that the State must bow to the rights and liberties of the. citizen; it must not abuse its power. Why not let us begin by being free to use our labour for wages? Why should we be compelled to buy this right from a trade union? Let those who wish to contribute to political purposes do so of their own free will. —I am, etc., N.-O. DICTATORS.