HC Deb 21 July 1926 vol 198 cc1207-8
22. Mr. G. HURST

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a band of dockers employed at the Salford Docks, styling themselves the union of transport workers, refuse to allow men who worked at the docks as volunteers during the general strike to remain there unless they pay £1 each to this union; and what security he will give these men against such victimisation?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

After the general strike, it was agreed between the Manchester Ship Canal Company and the Transport and General Workers' Union that additional casual labour should be engaged to clear off accumulations of work. It was subsequently agreed that from 75 to 100 of these men should be added to the port list of regular casuals to fill vacancies. I have no information to show that any of them had worked as volunteers during the strike, or that the local union officials have put any pressure on them to join the union. I understand that most of the local dock labour belongs to the union, the ordinary entrance fee to which is £1. I see no ground for my intervention.

Mr. HURST

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the loyalists who served during the strike have been forced to join this union as a condition of employment at the docks?

Mr. SEXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, as a matter of fact, these men never were dockers at all, and never worked at the docks in their lives before, and this has caused the victimisation of the men whose places they took? Why not let bygones be bygones?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I shall be glad to receive any information of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Moss Side (Mr. Hurst) or by the hon. Member for St. Helens (Mr. Sexton). I have not any information to substantiate either of the supplementary questions which have been put to me, and I have no information as to the volunteers who, it is alleged, have been made to join the union, nor have I any information that any members of the union were victimised as stated by the hon. Member for St. Helens.

Major COLFOX

Will the Government make it a condition that membership of any trade union shall not be a sine qua non for obtaining employment in this or any other trade?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise on this question.