EMPLOYERS ANNOUNCE DECISION

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25878, 10 August 1949, Page 6

EMPLOYERS ANNOUNCE DECISION

The port of Auckland Shipping and Stevedores’ Association announced its ultimatum after a meeting this afternoon. The following statement was made by the manager (Mr E. R. Buscke): ’ , , “On June 27 the Auckland branch of the Waterside Workers’ Union decided to place a ban on the working of overtime in this port and that policy has been in operation since that date. Members of my association have been advised that the workers’ decision was illegal, being a clear breach of the order of the Waterfront Industry Commission. “This policy of the union is producing the most serious, deleterious effect on the shipping industry in this port. The congestion of shipping is increasing daily, and members of my association view the position with the deepest concern. It is impossible tc work this industry with anything like reasonable efficiency unless workers are prepared to work overtime.

“Not only the waterfront employers are vitally concerned, but the public generally will suffer and the national economy will be prejudiced. In an endeavour to resolve the deadlock my association decided to-day to send the following letter to the Auckland branch of the Waterside Workers’ Union:— “ ‘The members of your branch have collectively refused since June 27, 1949. to carry out normal overtime hours of work at the port of Auckland. The waterfront industry cannot function satisfactorily on a 44-hour week and shipping companies cannot continue to accept the position whereby your union determines the hours of work to be observed on the Auckland waterfront. “ ‘My association has decided that, failing receipt of an assurance from your branch by 3-30 p.m. on Wednesday that normal overtime hours of work will be resumed on and from that date, men refusing to work overtime will be dismissed.’ ”