RUNANGA UNIONS PROTEST

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25767, 31 March 1949, Page 4

RUNANGA UNIONS PROTEST

REREGISTRATION ASKED FOR RESOLUTION PASSED AT PUBLIC MEETING From Our Own Reporter GREYMOUTH, March 30. An explanation of the carpenters’ dispute was given at a meeting of the combined trade unions in the Rqpanga district aiid members of the public at Runanga this evening by Mr F. Langley (president of the New Zealand Carpenters’ Union). The following resolution was carried unanimously: ‘‘That this meeting of accredited trade unionists and members of the public enter a vigorous protest to the Government at the deregistration of the Auckland Carpenters’ Union, thus leaving the road open for the formation of a strikebreaking union, and ask the Minister of Labour to restore the registration of the original union in the interests of industrial integrity. Many people living to-day have had painful experience of the deregistration of genuine unions and the registration and recognition of strike-breaking combines, which took place under the control of the Reform Government in 1913. and regret that the Labour Government should see fit to adopt the same tactics."

After hearing an address by Mr Langley this afternoon, the Blackball Miners’ Union unanimously carried a resolution registering emphatic protest against permission being granted to any section of the Auckland carpenters to register in a district union following the deregistration of the Auckland Union. The resolution was forwarded to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Labour, and the Federal tion of Labour. It was further unanimously resolved to strike a levy of 5s a man each pay for the duration of the dispute. A cheque for £lOO was handed over at the meeting.