The Timber Industry

Industrial Unionist, Volume 1, Issue 8, 1 September 1913, Page 3

The Timber Industry

Although this is one of the chief industries in New Zealand, the majority of the timber workers are not organised, consequently the boss has a pretty easy time in the profit-making process. As sawmilling, and timber work generally, is carried on in isolated districts the only reading matter the workers get is the Capitalist Press, so that they are rarely in touch with the big labour movements of the \yorld.

Sometimes an agitator comes along, but as soon as lie begins to endeavour to endanger the masters’ interests he is promptly fired. Anyone with any knowledge of the sawmilling industry knows the tactics resorted to by the boss for increasing profits. One of his chief objects is to get a speedy benchman, and as the henchman makes the pace for all hands he is frequently given a little extra money to rush things. This rushing process, combined with defective and badly-protected gear, is responsible for practically all the accidents that occur in this industry. Owing to the hardships that have to be endured, and on account of the mills being situated in isolated districts, they are very often working shorthanded. What opportunities to better their conditions the workers have —if they would, only realise their power and organise effectively! Uy so doing they could get anything they demanded, while the loss of life and limb would be reduced considerably. As an instance: In Portland, Oregon, 3,000 sawmill workers were involved in a strike for a shorter work-day and increase of wages. Owing to the exceptional demand for labour in this industry at that time the companies were forced to accede to their demands. Organisation and direct action could bring the same results here. —E.P.