WORKERS' GRIEVANCES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 6, 1 February 1909, Page 2

WORKERS' GRIEVANCES

COMI'LAIXTS AGAINST THE GOVEIINMIiNT. CALLING FOR LUAIEDIATJJ ENQUIRY. By Telegrapk.—Press Association. Chriatclmrch, Last Night. The alleged delay in paying co-opera-tive \v<irl«']\s on the railway works at Domett was discussed at a mass meeting of the, men on Thursday. Several speakers pointed out that a large body ol' men had to wait from October 0 to November 17 and that four men had to wait from the third week in September until November 17 for their wages, and that work performed since December 12 would not, be paid until some time, in February, .It was also stated that when work was stepped at Christinas the Government held ten days' pay in hand, which would not be forthcoming till February, The following motion was agreed to—That in view of the shabby and contemptible way in which co-operative workers are treated on 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 intercuts. In supporting the motion it was -tiitiM that the. average wage earned o;i the line was not sullicient for a married man to live <jn, 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. The workers were forced to sign contracts practically at the point of the bayonet without being allowed a voice ill fixing prices, and tile otlicials amended or cancelled these contracts without consulting the men. Strong exception was taken to compulsory holidays, and to the fact ■that the men hail to remain idle in tents nt Christmas for twelve days without receiving any wages. Forty men joined the union.