UNION SUPPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 4, 6 January 1944, Page 2

UNION SUPPORT

BUS DRIVERS' ACTION NO BUSES ON SUNDAY Support for the demands of the bus drivers' section of the Auckland Drivers' Union was decided upon at a general meeting of the union last evening. This means that there will be no buses on the road n§xt sunday except those necessary for the transport of workers to essential jobs. Last week the bus drivers resolved to run the buses on a restricted time-table on Sundays until their request for double time and a guaranteed minimum of eight hours work on Sundays, with no change in the present rosters for days oft, was acceded to by the employers. The Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb, then notified the men that unless they agreed to the setting up of a disputes committee, as provided for under the War Emergency Regulations, the Government would have no other course but to de-register the union. It was to discuss the possibility of de-registration that last night's meeting was arranged. Following a two-hour meeting, the secretary of the union, Mr. L. G. Matthews, said that the full union had agreed to support any action taken bv the bus drivers. The bus drivers felt they were entitled to the fruits of their labour on Sundays, and their claims were endorsed by the othis: members of the union. The union was confident, said Mr. Matthews, that even if the Minister's threat were put into effect, the union could maintain its organisation.