SHEARERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2587, 23 August 1909, Page 2

SHEARERS’ UNION.

NEW ORGANISATION FORMED

IPkh Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 21. A conference of delegates representing the Shearers’ Unions of the Dominion was held in Christchurch recently, the sitting extending over three days. It was unanimously resolved: “That this meeting of delegates, with the full consent of the several unions, and with the view of consolidating and placing the shearers of the Dominion and the Commonwealth on ,a firm foundation, forms itself into a Shearers and other Pastoral Employees’ Industrial Union of Workers.”

It was resolved that the headquarters of the union be in Christchurch. An amendment in favor of Wellington being lost. At a later stage it was decided that the headquarters of the Association be decided upon by an absolute majority of the votes of the whole of the affiliated unions, a vote to be taken by plebiscite during the shearing season 1910-1911, and thereafter every third year A proposed constitution and rules of the federation were eoniiderec, those of the Australian Workers’ JL 'cn being taken as a basis, and a’opted with necessary amendments ly meet the conditions of New /.eUi cl. The secretary (Mr. Darcy) was di retted to proceed at once to Sydney for the purpose, f ga.nnig iiiennation from the head oucie ol the Australian Workers’ Ufiion in the methods of administration.

It was decided to hold the next conference in Wellington. The objects of the union, briefly stated in the constitution are(a) To regulate and protect the condition of labor and the regulation between workmen and employers and between workmen and workmen; (b) to impose restrictive conditions on the conduct of the trade, business or industry of members; (c) to promote the general and material welfare of members, and to improve tho relations between employers and workmen ; (d) to gradually replace the present competitive system of industry by a co-operation system; (e) to procure legal assistance in defence of members’ rights where deemed necessary; (f) to establish and maintain funeral funds for the burial of deceased members; (g) to endeavor, by political action, to secure social justice; (h) to establish and maintain labor journals; (i) to assist, by federation or otherwise, kindred organisations in upholding the rights and privileges of workers, and generally to assist in the- emancipation of labor.