General Laborers.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 48, 9 February 1912, Page 6

General Laborers.

Coming Conference. INTERESTING CHAT WITH H. A. CAMPBELL. Chatting with "The Worker" regarding the coming conference of General Laborers' Unions' lepfbsontatives, which takes place in Diniedin on February 22, Mr. H. A. Campbell said that the gathering would be thoroughly representative of all unions of unskilled workers from Climtchureh southwards. In addition to the Canterbury Laborers, there will be present: Ota-go General Laborers, Southland General Laborers, Waimate Workers, and Canterbury Farm Laborers' Unions. "It is the intention of the conference," said Mr. Campbell, "to consider the question of uniform conditions and wages for laborers in this country. As far as the men in Canterbury are concerned, they never intend to make a demand for less than. 10s. ; per day. "The Canterbury "General Laborers held.a conference with the wool and grain store employers of Timaru, and were successful in securing 10s. per day for the men employed. We have asked the employers of Christchurch to meet us on February 7, when a demand for 10s. per day will be made. We have made up our minds not to accept anything less. "The feeling exists," said Mr. Campbell, "among the laborers of New Zealand that they will not work for less than a living wage of 10s. per day. At present they are not receiving a living wage. "AVc have come to the conclusion that we are as useful and as good a class of men as any other class of workers, and we will demand tho same comfort, the same standard of living as has been paid to other classes of workers."

You think that a federation of unskilled workers will be accomplished? was asked.

'T am certain of it," was the reply. "The feeling in favor of federation is very strong in Canterbury, and 1 understand that the same feeling exists in Dunedin. Speaking of the Canterbury men, they are no better off now than they were 10 to 15 years ago, so it is time they moved.

"The Canterbury men are moving. Not only have they decided to appoint an organiser to go out and educate the members, but they have also instructed him to use his best endeavors to linkup tho Brick and Tile-makers' Union, Coal and Timber Yards Employees Union, and the Gas Stokers and Cokers' Union, with the Canterbury Laborers' Union. The existence of these Unions shows to what extent sectionalism has reached. However, we hope by education to put an tud to this deplorable state of affairs. It has also been decided to write to the Farm Laborers' asking them to come in with us. AYe recognise that by doing so each side will be materially strengthened.''