CO-OPERATIVE LABORERS' PLAINT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10061, 1 February 1909, Page 4

CO-OPERATIVE LABORERS' PLAINT.

(Pee Press Association.)

Christchurch, January 30 ; - The alleged.delay, in paying.co-operative workers on. the railway.,! works at Domett was discussed at a mass" meeting- of the men on Thursday, reports ■ -the Cheviot News. Several speakers pointed out that a large body of men had to wait from October 6th to November 17th, and thatfour men had to wait from the third 1 week in September until November 17th for their wages, and that work performed since December 12th would not be paid until some time in February. It was also stated that when work was stopped, at Christmas the Government held ten days' pay in 'hand, which would not be forthcoming until February. The followin" motion was agreed to: "That in view of°the shabby and' contemptuous way m which co-operative workers are treated oil the Domett- railway extension works, the time has now arrived when it is absolutely necessary to form ourselves into a union in order to protect our own interests." In supporting the motion, it was stated that the average wage earned on the line was not- sufficient for a married- man to live oil, and the branding of the tents with a large broad arrow made the encampment look more like a camp of convicts than of free men. Ihe workers were forced to sign contracts practically at the point of the bayonet without being allowed a voice in fixing prices, and the officials amended or cancelled these contracts without consulting the men. Strong exception was taken to compulsory holidays, and to the fact that the men had to remain idle in their tents at Christinas time for twelve days withoutreceiving any wages. Forty men joined, the union.