SEAMEN'S MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 93, 20 April 1932, Page 8

SEAMEN'S MEETING.

VOTE ON STRIKE ISSUE. PEOPOSAL REJECTED. After members of the Auckland branch of the Federated Seamen's Union had discussed dor-Oxer three hours yesterday a proposal to declare a strike, it was announced tnat no decision had been arrived at. It is understood, however, that when the proposal was put to the meeting it was defeated by some 40 votes, and that for such a proposal to be put into effect a two-thirds majority is required. The real purpose of the meeting, it is understood, was to consider a communication from the national council of the Seamen's Union, which has been sitting in Wellington. It was evident, however, that a section of the meeting were anxious to vote, on the strike .question

and the matter was the subject of long discussion. All vessels in port were represented, 35 members of the crew of the Maunganui, which did not berth until nearly ten o'clock, being the last to arrive. As a result of the large number of ships at present laid up owing to the depression, many seamen are out of work and- it is understood that it was this section that were strongly in favour of a strike. The Federated Seamen's Union is not a party to the Arbitration Court. Wages and conditions are fixed by a mutual agreement which came into force on April 1, 1930, and is to remain in force until the end of July next. The guarantee that the conditions will be carried out is signed by the chairman of the New Zealand Shipowners' Federation, the general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company and the general president and general secretary of the Seamen's Union. Seamen were not affected by the 10 per cent wage cut and will not be subject to any other reductions that may be made in the wages of other workers. The result of yesterday's meeting was telegraphed to the national council in Wellington. No further action will be taken in Auckland, it is understood, until the position has been reviewed at headquarters.