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476
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SIR ERNEST OPPENHEIMER
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♦ XXV ♦
With
the ending of hostilities, the labour problems of Northern Rliodesia
became more acute. In the first place, African labour itself became
'unionized': the system of tribal representation was abolished in 1953,
four years after the formation of the Northern Rhodesia African
Mineworkers' Trade Union, which was recognized by the copper companies
in August 1949. This was followed in 1955 by the formation and
recognition of the Mines' African Staff Association: the relations
between the two African unions were not at all times happy, and
actually led to disturbances on the Copperbelt in 1956, thus forcing
the proclamation of a state of emergency on 1 August of that year.
African labour had also become more aggressive in other ways, partly in
consequence of the discussions and agitations relating to the
formation of the Federation; in 1952 after a total stoppage of work for
three weeks, an arbitration award largely increased Native wages.
Secondly, after the war, the white union succeeded in having the
'closed shop' principle definitely restored, through the elimination of
the 'dilution' clause.61 Thirdly, the union adhered to the
principle of 'equal pay for equal work', and for a time, at least, was
supported by Native labour in this attitude—though it meant in practice
a nullification of African advancement. 'Four-party talks' on African
advancement held in 1947 broke down over this issue: in October 1947
there was consequently appointed the Dalgleish Commission, which was
boycotted by the Mine Workers' Union, partly because of the composition
of the committee, partly because the terms of reference omitted
reference to the principle of 'equal pay for equal work'. The committee
made the request that 'every consideration be given by the Trade Union,
the Chamber of Mines and the Government to such alteration in the
agreement [with the Mine Workers' Union] as to permit the Africans to
advance'.
In
spite of further efforts and the holding of further 'four-party talks'
in the autumn of 1954, no progress was made. In July 1954 another board
of inquiry was set up under the chairmanship of Sir John Forster 'to
ascertain whether there is anything to prevent African employees from
advancing in the copper-mining industry in Northern Rhodesia
61
The new clause ran, 'the company agrees that work of the class or grade
that is being performed, or job that is being filled by an employee at
the time of the signing of this agreement shall not be given to persons
to whom the terms and conditions of the agreement do not apply'.
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