Preference to Unionists.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1920, Page 1

Preference to Unionists.

THE PROPOSED .ABOLITION. LABOUR UP IN ARMS. WELLINGTON, Aug. 28. The proposal in the Legislative Council of the Hon J. MacGregor to abolish the preference to unionists clause of the Industrial, Conciliation, and Arbitration Act, lias caused considerable comment in Labour circles, and a reporter was informed that the strongest opposition will be invoked to it.

“It strikes at the very foundation of our unions,” said one prominent Labour advocate, “and is in my opinion, introduced to achieve that object. None of the Labour organisations have asked for the change; if the Hon Mr MacGregor is acting at the dictation of Labour, will he kindly indicate the unions or Labour leaders who arc so solicitous for flic welfare of the work-

ing mail. “To say that the combined effect of the clauses of the Act he wishes to repeal ‘prevent workers who join a union from taking any interest in its affairs’ and ‘enable a few extremists, who are neither loyal nor patriotic to dominate the unions and cause constant uniest is not correct. There may be extremists who are prepared to go beyond the limits that many workers think reasonable, but they are in a minority, and are subject to control. As to the abolition of the preference to unionist clause, the proposal is an absurd one, and will never be anything more than a proposal.”