TRAM WORKERS AT DUNEDIN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25094, 28 January 1947, Page 3

TRAM WORKERS AT DUNEDIN

AWARD DISCUSSED

DEREGISTRATION URGED BY ANNUAL MEETING

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, January 27. A sharp cleavage between elements describing themselves as “moderates” and “progressives” occurred at the annual meeting of the Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Tramway Workers’ Union yesterday, after the presentation of the executive’s report by the president (Mr W. B. Richards). Discussing the Dominion award, Mr Richards said that if the assessors were faced with the possibility of going to the Conciliation Council and the Arbitration Court and meeting with a rebuff, what was the union to do? The only thing it could do would be to deregister under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and reregister under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act. Then, he said the union would have the right to strike. A plebiscite on the Dominion-award was carried by six to one, and that on deregistration by five to one. The national council had not decided what course of action should be taken after the union' was deregistered, he continued. That would be determined by the union members themselves. Speaking about local negotiations with the city transport committee, Mr Richards said: “I am hopeful that a -good agreement will be concluded. “I am hopeful for the benefit of the City Council, because after being in Wellington last week I am certain.that there is an upsurge in the industrial movement throughout the country, as the workers are not satisfied with the hourly rates of pay or their weekly income under the 40-hour week now that overtime has ceased. Workers realise that it is impossible to live on an hourly rate under the, 40-hour week.” The upsurge in New Zealand, as in Australia, appeared to have been initiated more in the transport industry than in any other, but that did not mean it did not exist in other industries as well, Mr Richards added. “It may not be long before the Tramways Union is put in the position of seeking assistance from the Transport Workers’ Federation.

“You will have to fight to get what you want because you are not in such a favourable position as the watersiders and the seamen, but I am satisfied that the first group which will offer you assistance is the Waterside Workers’ Union. Your fight will be its fight.” “Militant Unionism”

After challenging the chairman’s attitude, Mr C. A. Stiglish said: “You have put a good speech for the Left. You stand for militant unionism. I stand for sane unionism. Where has your militancy got you to-day? Where has your Labour Government got? If there had been an ( lection this week it would have gone out. “There is only one way to settle the dispute, and that is to get round the conference table. I do not believe in your fight tactics. I reckon that there is a strong body of opinion in the tram sheds against direct action and those tactics.

“Where • have your strikes put your Labour Government?” Mr Stiglish asked. “We, know that to-day we have got good money and good conditions. The position can be improved, but I do not think it will be improved by your tactics, which will end in your Labour Government going out.’’ After further discussion, the executive’s report was adopted, the chairman describing the motion as one of confidence in the executive’s policy during the last 12 months.