WARNING TO STRIKERS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28513, 17 February 1958, Page 8

WARNING TO STRIKERS

Mercer Project Dispute (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, Feb. 16. “The Government is certainly not going to stand for industrial anarchy,” said the Minister of Labour (Mr Hackett), in Auckland today, commenting on the strike of 90 riggers and boilermakers on the Meremere coal-power station project He expressed his keen disappointment that the men had refused to return to work to allow negotiations on their grievances to proceed. “Any breach of the law, either by employers or employees, will be treated accordingly,” said Mr Hackett. Apart from other consideration, completion of the Meremere project to meet the rapidly-growing power demand was an urgent necessity. As well, 600 men at Meremere were dependent on the work done by the riggers and boilermakers. Fifty riggers went on strike last week because the management refused to recognise their delegate. The boilermakers are on strike over special payments. Officials of the unions concerned have appealed to the strikers to return to work. Recognition of Delegates The question of recognition of delegates was discussed in Auckland yesterday by Mr Hackett, the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr C. L. Hunter) and union secretaries. The union secretaries and Mr Hunter left for Meremere immediately these talks were concluded to complete negotiations with the ] management. These talks did not ; take place because the strikers re- , fused to return to work. "There cannot be any further , negotiations until the men return to work,” Mr Hackett said today. An appeal to the riggers on strike to return to work immediately is to be made tomorrow morning by the secretary of the ■ Auckland Carpenters' Union (Mr A. Russ). The effect a continuance of the strike could have on the other workers at the project is i to be explained to the men by Mr Russ.