35. Mr. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Demerara Bauxite Company in British Guiana does not allow their employees to be in membership of any kind of trade union organisation; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter.
§ Colonel StanleyMy information is that membership of a trade union is not a bar to employment by this company. A full report from the Governor is, however, now on its way to me.
Mr. FraserIs the Minister aware that, according to Press reports in this country, trade unions are prohibited by this company, and that workers in the bauxite mines are not allowed freedom of association?
§ Colonel StanleyI am not aware of that. On the contrary, a letter was sent to the labour union by the Commissioner of Labour, with the authority of the company, stating expressly that membership is not a bar to employment by the company.
§ Mr. PetherickIs it not highly undesirable, both in this country and the Empire, to force men to join a trade union if they do not want to do so?