TEACHERS AND UNIONISM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 3 January 1913, Page 4

TEACHERS AND UNIONISM.

There are two organisations of State school teachers in New South Wale? (writes a Sydney correspondent). The | younger and -smaller, called the CnI ion, represents a secession from the ■elder and stronger parent .body, 'ca.ll- • '■•.* Association. Th»e reason given by i'.r- Union's secretary for the starting of the body is that "the Association goes on its knc?s to ask for the teachers' right a instead of demanding them standing up like a, man." At the annual conference of the Union held this week it was resolved that endeavours be made to secure the inclusion of teachers in the ru'liedule of occupations covered by the Industrial Arbitration Act of the State ( and also to affiliate with the Trades and Labour Council. Tliis decision involved I a. prospect of trouble for the TCdueai tion Department, and the Minister I for Public Instruction, Mr Carmiohael. Oomsociueritly there \va,p curiosity as .to the attitude which the (Minister would take up when n deputation from the Union asked him to arrange for the extension of tb» Arbitration Act to them'. The Minister told the deputation that 'lit? would place no obstacle in the wav of the legislation a.sked. for, provided it was desired' by \ the teachers thews-elves. But lie was afraid there were legal difficulties. TTo would consult the Ortvn Law officers. The members of the Teachers' Union are not too well pleased with such a half-hearted reception from a Minister of the Labour Par*y when they seek to come into line with industrial unions whose demands for justice at the hands of private employers have the avowed hearty approval of the. Ministry.