THE COAL DISPUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 160, 8 July 1932, Page 6

THE COAL DISPUTE.

In regard to the charges made by the coal owners, that "the unions have always insisted on the right to retain members in the industry," references being made to Glen Afton and Pukemiro cases, I think it iis only right that the public should know the true facts, and they are, that these cases have absolutely no bearing on the present dispute. Re clause 27a, when these disputes occurred the sharing-of-work policy by the unions was still retained, but since then 'the policy has been dropped and the unions have conceded that "where there- is slackness of trade they were prepared to agree to a systematised dismissing of employees." That is all we are asking for to-day, a modification of clause 27a to provide against members being indiscriminately picked out, and that union officials shall have security from victimisation. I should like to refer briefly to the objectionable clauses, wet time, timber, minimum wage clauses, and I feel sure that the public will realise that there is no justification fior any amendments to these clauses, when we take into consideration they have been conditions that have been conceded for many years. The workere have suffered the 10 per cent reduction, the 5 per cent wages tax, and with the allowance for intermittent time being worked, we find we are practically on a starvation level. I hope the public will realise the miners have no wish to dictate as to the control of the industry, but we do desire conciliation that will retain conditions which we are justly entitled to, and of which we know the industry, is capable and in a, position to concede. ARTHUR ROBINSON, Late President, Northern Miners' Union, and at present member of Council. Pukemiro.