176 LABOUR IN MADRAS Medical aid even in case of accidents is often not a vailable. Wages are scandalously iow. In Madras an examination has shown that the average pay is 20 to 22/6 per month for a textile factory worker. Even then the wages due at the end of each month are not paid till the 15th of the following month, and sometimes later. After years of silent suffering the Indian labourers have begun to organize their forces. In the City of Madras we have formed separate Unions for the Textile Factory Workers, the Tramwaymen, the Rickshaw Drivers, the Printers and Railway Workshopmen. This work was begun in April, 1918, and already we have about 17,000 members in Madras alone. Labourers in other towns have appealed for help in organizing them similarly. We appeal for your moral and material support, When you ask for higher wages and better conditions you are met by the cry that the Indian Mill competes against you. When the Indian worker asks for better things he is told that you compete against him. Both you and he suffer because we are divided. The cause of labour is one. Give us your help! B. P. WADIA, President Madras Labour Union, and representing Madras Tramwaymen's Union, Madras Rickshawallas' Union, Madras Printers' Union and Madras Railway Workshop Union and
