DISMISSAL OF NURSES

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23315, 29 April 1941, Page 10

DISMISSAL OF NURSES

AN ALLEGATION OF VICTIMISATION

PROTEST BY CARPENTERS’ UNION CP.A.) AUCKLAND, April 28. “Incidents of this character are frowned upon by trade unionists, and are likely to sway their judgment during the coming municipal elections,’’ stated the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners (Auck : land) in a letter to the Auckland Hospital Board to-night, protesting concerning the dismissal of nurse-attend-ants from the staff at the Auckland infirmary. “In view of allegations that these nurses were not given an opportunity to defend themselves, and that they have been victimised for the defence of the trade union principle, this union cannot allow the board’s action to go unchallenged,” continued the letter. “This union is forwarding the matter to the Auckland Trades Council of the New Zealand Federation of Labour for consideration, and intends to move for the holding of a public inquiry into the treatment of these employees by the Auckland Hospital Board,” the letter concluded. “To justify its position, the board would be well advised to conduct a public inquiry into the matter.” The chairman (Mr Allan Moody) moved that the letter be referred to the complaints committee. Mr J. Sayegh said he would welcome that action. “There is a lot of feeling in the community regarding the way the matter has been dealt with,” he added. Dr. Hastings said he felt that it had not been thoroughly investigated. Mr W. A. Bishop said he understood that the dismissed nurses had been given an opportunity to come before the board.

“That is so,” said the chairman, ‘‘but they did not take the opportunity.” The chairman’s motion was adopted.