WATERFRONT WORK

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 134, 9 June 1942, Page 6

WATERFRONT WORK

NON-UNION PROTEST MEMBERSHIP QUESTION A deputation representing some 50 or more non-unionist waterfront workers, or "seagulls." yesterday waited on the waterfront controller, Mr. W. J. Cuthbert, to protest against the present situation with regard to their non-admission to the union. These workers made application for membership in the Auckland Waterside Workers' Cnion when, in April last, it was advertised that additional members were required. Although they were not eligible for military service and were in a position to fulfil all the necessary waterfront requirements, their applications had not yet been answered, while appeals for exemption" from military were being lodged on behalf of existing members of the union. Although they were fully experienced men, they were obliged to sit back and see inexperienced men from other jobs in the city being admitted to the union, It was stated.

It was later explained by Mr. R. E. Price, chairman of the Waterfront Commission, that, following the commission's advertisement in April, 160 applicants who had been deemed suitable had been selected and their names placed on the waterfront tuureau register. From that list the UJiipn selected any additional mem beiw - required. By agreement between the union and employe, s it had been decided that a total union membership of 1350 would be sufficient, and ne believed the union at present had a full membership. Mr. Price added that it was intended to place on the bureau register the names of an additional 300 men if available, but not until there Is sufficient work for them. The great difficulty lay in the fluctuating volume of work available.