PLAN FAILED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 305, 2 October 1940, Page 3

PLAN FAILED.

A STRIKE AT WELLINGTON. ON THE WATERFRONT. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, October 1. A general strike of waterside workers at Wellington, contemplated to take place this morning, did not eventuate, it being believed that the amendment to the Public Safety Emergency Regulations gazetted last night, empowering the Attorney-General to order the dismissal of any worker in the interests of public safety, was a timely deterrent. Although refusing to discuss recent developments on the Wellington waterfront, the Minister for Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) said today, when interviewed, that the amendment to the emergency regulations had not been gazetted specially to deal with waterside workers in this instance. The amendment had been under consideration for some time.

“The Government is determined that neither an employer nor a worker will he allowed to impede production,” said Mr AVebb. “If a dispute arises it must go through the proper channels for settlement. and anyone responsible for the prevention of that can. bo dealt with under the regulations.” A decision to strike this morning was made, it is reported, at a meeting of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union yesterday. Later that day representatives’ of the men were plainly told by the Minister that if the threat was carried out, strong action would be taken by the Government.

The latest trouble began last Wednesday, when a dispute arose over a claim of some men working on the coastal steamer Breeze for extra payment. They were working in a hold in which tallow was being handled, and brine from the deck above dripped down. When their claim for payment of dirt money was refused, the men left the ship. They were ordered to return by the Waterfront Coi««nission, which also advised the men that they would be penalised for leaving thenwork. On the commission deciding that the men who broke the regulations should be. stood down from waterfront labour for four days, a general meeting of the union was called, and a strike in sympathy with the suspended men was decided on.