STRIKE IN AIR FORCE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24985, 20 September 1946, Page 8

STRIKE IN AIR FORCE

GOVERNMENT’S OFFER TO MEN

ACCEPT CONDITIONS OR BE RELEASED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 19. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), discussing the strikes which have occurred at R.N.Z.A.F. stations, said to-day that a signal worded on the following lines had been dispatched to all stations:—

“Essential services on all stations must be maintained throughout the week, and personnel must be available to undertake work that may be required at any time. Every endeavour will be made by station commanders at week-ends to reduce thq number employed to the minimum necessary to meet requirements during that period. “For personnel who are not prepared to abide by these conditions of service, and who would prefer to terminate their engagement with the R.N.Z.A.F., release action will be authorised.

“Station commanders are to communicate these instructions to all personnel in the most appropriate manner.’’

Mr Jones said the effect intended by these instructions was that personnel should be allowed maximum leisure consistent with carrying out necessary work on every R.N.Z.A.F. station. It was quite clear that from time to time the amount of work necessary to discharge responsibilities at each station would vary in accordance with the demands made on the station.

The further effect was to impress on every member of the R.N.Z.A.F. that he was liable for duty 24 hours of a seven-day week. That was covered in the R.N.Z.A.F. regulations and the Air Force Act. Each member accepted these conditions when signing service papers of attestation ‘The Government wishes it to be understood that armed forces are always on call at all times,” said Mr Jones. “The R.N.Z.A.F. has now offered each member who does not wish to accept service conditions his immediate release. It is anticipated that a few of the personnel may prefer to accept release rather than accept in the true spirit the conditions of an armed service.” A great number of the men who have been striking have agreed to go back to work. This was stated by the Minister to-night. Those who had not agreed will be granted ordinary facilities for release.