Against War

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1922, Page 3

Against War

AUSTRALIAN WORKERS’ UNION, SYDNEY, Jan. I. Some drastic proposals are included in ti e agenda paper for the annual convention of the Australian Vorkois Union, which is to be bold in Sydney this month. What some of the members ot the organisation think about war is expressed 7n the following motion: •■That we pledge ourselves individually and collectively to refuse to participate in any war outside the Commonwealth of Australia. That we refuse to take part or fight in any capitalistic wars.” It is proposed that this resolution lie printed on the hack of every A.AV.U. ticket. Another proposal suggests that pending. the time when Labour will he sufficiently organised to take over industry, nationalising of credit be part of the union propaganda, as by this means unemployment will he minimised if not wholly done away with. home of the members who are disgruntled at their officials drawing full pay during strikes while they themselves have had to be content with reduced strike pay arc proposing +ha+ the salaries of all A.W.U. officials during strikes he placed to the credit of the strike funds, and officials receive the same as strikers. It is suggested also that union officials, who now enjoy the privilege of first class expenses when travelling, be allowed only second class in future.

The proposed claims for rates of pay and hours of work could hardly be described as modest. £lO per week is suggested for shearing with everything found, and fares paid to and Prom place of employment. Minor claims are that wooden bunks be superseded by wire mattresses, with kapoo pillows and bedding, and that verandahs lie attached to.sleeping quarters. The only thing 'that the men seem to have overlooked in regard to their own comfort is the supplying by their employer of an orchestral accompaniment with their meals.