Master Builders Oppose Labour-only Contracts

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29746, 13 February 1962, Page 12

Master Builders Oppose Labour-only Contracts

The Canterbury Master Builders’ and Joiners’ Association had informed the Canterbury Carpenters’ Union that it did not favour labouronly contracts, said the president of the association (Mr M A Toomer) last evening

Mr Toomer said the union secretary (Mr F L. Langley) had written to his association requesting its support for the action the union is taking in trying to prevent the completion of a house In Memorial avenue, which the union has declared “black" on the ground that it Is being built under a labour-only contract

“The letter from Mr Langley was considered by the executive of our association The Canterbury Master Builders’ Association is against labour-only contracts in its area. We do not want ’hem here.” Mr Toomer said Crossword Prize

The house is being built by Beazley (South Island). Ltd under contract for a grocery wholesale firm which intends ’he bouse to be available as a prize in a national crossword competition The house is scheduled to be open for oublic inspection early in April.

Yesterday. the Christchurch branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants declared “black.” as from noon, all building

materials for Beazley (South Island). Ltd. The union executive passed a resolution congratulating the Canterbury Carpenters’ Union on its efforts "to protect award conditions from attempts to undermine them by the introduction of labour-only contracts.”

The statement of the society’s national executive, condemning labour-only contracts, was approved by the branch executive which decided to advise the local carpenters’ union that all active support would be eiven in the ban imposed on the house F.O.L. Support The carpenters’ “black” ban on the house is now supported by the Federation of Labour, the Canterbury Subcontractors’ Association (electricians. plumbers, plasterers, bricklayers, drainlayers and oainters). transport unions, ‘he New Zealand Workers' Union, and the Builders’ Labourers’ Union, as well as the railways union and mas‘er builders’ association. Meanwhile, work on the house is still being done by ‘he two men from Dunedin The foundations and framework are virtually comoleted Pre-cut timber wa« delivered to the site from Beazley Homes. Ltd, Mount Maunganui, before the caroenters’ union declared the house “black.”

Union circles believe that when this timber is exhausted. work on the house win stop The manager of Beazley (South Island), Ltd (Mr J D. Heise, of Dunedin), said last week he saw “no reason why the house should not be completed according to contract” and has made no further statement.