FLAXWORKERS AND THE FEDERATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1224, 24 March 1914, Page 3

FLAXWORKERS AND THE FEDERATION.

A SECESSION MOVEMENT,

In a recent issue of the Standard reference was made to a rather significant movement which was in progress in the ranks of the Flaxworkers’ Union. The militant section ot the union was said to be very much dissatisfied and disgusted with the tactics and actions of the leaders of the Federation of Labour, and, while still adhering to the principles of the Federation, the militant division of the flaxworkers was desirious of severing all connection between the Federation and the union. A requisition was, therefore, prepared, demanding a special meeting of the union on March 28, to consider the advisability of cutting adrift from the Federation. The president of the union has convened the meeting for that date. As to the reasons for the action, several of the militant members allege that the Federation of Labour had been so manipulated that the workers who were connected with it through the affiliation of the various unions were now at the mercy of, and under the control of a body of individuals who had made it abundantly clear that their foremost interest in the labour movement was to retain their own lucrative positions, and were exploiting the wage-earners so as to be able to draw in comfort their own liberal salaries. At the present time, it was alleged, nearly every member of the executive ot the Federation had been appointed an organiser by the executive itself, the members of the Federation having no say in ihe matter at all. The executive were thus giving to themselves the full enjoyments of all the benefits that accrued to the easy work of a labour organiser’s billet. This was what the militant members took the strongest exception to. It was pointed out that the meeting called for next Saturday was connected directly with the agitation set up by the militant members. The Flaxworkers’ Union paid ,£2OO a year to the Federation, and supported, besides, an organiser—a member of the Federation executive—at £6 a week —£\ salary and £2 travelling allowances. The financial position of the union was said, by these members, to be precarious, and they were of opinion that this was a direct result of affiliation with the Federation of Labour. Next Saturday’s meeting had also been called to consider the financial position of the union, as well as the question ot severing connection with the Federation. The militant members also complained that Since the strike the Federation of Labour bad made no statement as to its financial position ; how the workers’ money and voluntary contributions had been spent; whether it really went to help the strikers or pay the fat salaries of the leaders. They are awaiting the issue of a balancesheet with interest—Manawatu Standard.