HARVEST WORKERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 March 1941, Page 6

HARVEST WORKERS

CHARGES OF NOT JOINING UNION MAGISTRATE ENTERS NON SUIT. ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING OFFICIALS. An interesting case was heard in the Masterton Magistrate’s Court this afternoon before Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M., when the Inspector of Awards (Mr. N. Pelvin) proceeded against R. Wilson, A. W. Esler, E. Holmwood and H. Governor for failing to become members of the New Zealand Workers’ Union. The charges related to the employment of the men in harvesting operations. Mr Lawry stated at the outset that it was necessary for the inspector to show that the men were parties to the Award concerned. “You are suing a worker, but where, in the Award is he made a party?”, asked Mr. Lawry. He stated that an award was binding between a union, members and employers. Mr. Pelvin: “I must admit I haven’t prepared anything on these lines.” “The facts are shocking,” stated Mr. T. Cunningham, who appeared for the men. He said it was a curious case. The Department of Labour liked to take such cases as an example. “In this case,” he said, “the defence wishes to make an example. Unfortunately, usualty the men have to take it lying down.”

“The last two Court days have shown that the Labour Department is pinpricked by certain Union officials,” stated Mr. Cunningham. “These pinpricks result in the men losing time.” He protested against the truculent attitude of Union officials. “At best they are troublemakers,” he added. Mr. Cunningham stated that the men were in the Union a month ago. Owing to the attitude of the Union official. they had joined up with another Union. Esler was a member of two Unions. Some weeks after commencing work, following illness lasting two years. Esler offered his services in harvesting operations, while on holiday. The first day on which he worked an official had demanded 255. Union fees and had adopted a truculent attitude. "The attitude of these officials is absurd.” said Mr. Cunningham. “They are obstructing the work of the country. If we have these slogans of ‘work for your life,’ surely there should be some elasticity to allow men to take on essentia! work and overlook Union matters?"

“Unions are formed for the protection of workers against unscrupulous employers.” observed Mr. Lawry. “There is a tendency, however, to use Unionism in harassing labour in order to get funds for Unions.” Mi’. Lawry. after quoting legal opinions. entered a nonsuit and awarded costs against the Department.