Minister’s Warning

Press, Volume C, Issue 29599, 23 August 1961, Page 14

Minister’s Warning

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 22. The Minister of Labour (Mr Shand) told the House of Representatives this afternoon that unless members of the Auckland Freezing Workers’ Union went back to work by 1 p.m. tomorrow he would de-register their union.

“I have today met the executive of the Federation of Labour. I have put them in possession of the facts of the case as I have .been able to ascertain them,’’ Mr Shand said.

“Members will recall, the dispute arose over the refusal of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company to re-employ a man who had left their employment voluntarily some six months ago. ‘The man had a demonstrably poor work record over a long period and his personal record available to me from other sources bears (this out. “I have this morning in-

formed the secretary of the Auckland Freezing Workers' Union that unless work is resumed tomorrow afternoon I will take steps to deregister the union. “The company has been more than reasonable in offering to confer with the union on the question, subject only to a resumption of normal work, although it is clearly a matter upon which the law gives the employer an absolute right of decision.

“I informed the union on Thursday, last week, that its failure to agree to such a procedure, and resume work before Monday last, would lead to serious consequences for them. I have delayed further in order that they should have an opportunity of discussing the matter with the Federation of Labour. “Any further delay in resuming work will lead to serious loss of production and of overseas exchange which this country can ill afford at this time.” Mr Shand said.