PIECE-WORK OPPOSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 38, 7 May 1927, Page 11

PIECE-WORK OPPOSED

PERNICIOUS SPEEDING-UP AUSTRALIAN OPPOSITION By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright MELBOURNE, Friday. An all-Australian Trades Union Congress has discussed the piece-work question. It has resolved that piecework, bonus systems, co-partnership and profit-sharing schemes are insidious and pernicious forms of excessive speeding-up and should be strenuously opposed by the industrial movement in Australia. It was urged that steps be taken to circumvent the American speeding-up methods in Australia. On the motion of Mr. J. Garden it was decided to defer the proposed affiliation to the International Federation of Trades Unions at Amsterdam until the Amsterdam International has acceded to the request by the Red International of Labour Unions for an “all-in” conference to achieve unity of the workers of the world. The congress decided to convene a pan-Pacific congress of trades unions organisations in 1928 for the purpose of deciding upon a mutual attitude toward any outbreak of war in the Pacific.

The major issue before the delegates was the proposal to provide for closer organisation and transformation of the trades union movement in Australia and New Zealand from a craft to an industrial basis.

The proposal was carried by 92 votes to 20. After discussion the Congress adopted the name of “The Australasian Council of Trades Unions.” —A. and N.Z. cable.