UNLOADING SUGAR BARGES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25020, 31 October 1946, Page 6

UNLOADING SUGAR BARGES

OVERTIME NOT ACCEPTED DEMAND FOR CHANGE-ROOM (P.A.) AUCKLAND, October 30. The Colonial Sugar Refining Company is preparing a temporary changeroom at Chelsea, tq be used ufltil a permanent building can be provided. Work will be finished within a fortnight, and although it is reported that some workers axe prepared to accept the situation and resume overtime to 9 p.m., others are remaining adamant. Although the workers are not bound to accept overtime, the discharge of cargoes at Chelsea is being seriously affected by t|ieir action, and the new development of a 3 p.m. finish is one which is considered contrary to the rules of the Waterfront Commission. The subject will be discussed*by the Auckland Port Committee to-morrow. The refusal of waterside workers to work overtime at Chelsea until a change-ropm and washing facilities have been provided was carried a further stage on Tuesday and to-day, when the men engaged on discharging sugar from the steamer Stan Cleeve caught the 3.30 p.pn. ferry back to the city. It is understood that the men are taking a stand against travelling in the normal ferry, which brings them to the Auckland waterfront about 5.10 p.m.. 10 minutes after the normal finishing time. Workers who went to discharge the collier Karepo on her arrival at Chelsea to-day remained, however, to catch the later ferry, and the situation is one which is baffling the waterfront authorities. No overtime is being worked on basic slag cargoes being discharged from the New Zealand Snipping Company liner Rangitata and the Federal Line steamer Northumberland, both at Queen’s wharf. The workers have stated that they consider an eighthour day sufficient when this type of cargo is handled. Respirators have been issued to all the men engaged on the two ships, and morning and afternoon rations of milk are being provided. ■