SUSPENSION OF UNION

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29766, 8 March 1962, Page 16

SUSPENSION OF UNION

F.O.L. Action Condemned IH2. Press Association) WELLINGTON. March 7. The annual conference of the North Island Electrical Workers’ Union today endorsed an earlier statement by its executive condemning the Federation of Labour national executive and national council for suspending the Wellington Labourers’ Union “without a hearing” The endorsement came after the conference had been addressed by the secretary of the Labourers’ Union (Mr P M Butler) and had also heard that the secretary ot the Federation of Labour (Mr K. McL. Baxter) had refused to address the conference. Mr A. J. Neary. Electrical Workers’ secretary, said the union had invited Mr Baxter or any member of the Federation of Labour executive to address the conference to explain the labourers’ suspension Mr Baxter replied saying that none of the executive would accept the invitation “The conference delegate* were amazed at the reply, considering that Mr Baxter had previously offered publicly to address members on the matter" said Mr Neary “It became apparent to delegates that Mr Baxter and his executive could not possibly justify their action and delegates were disgusted at their high-handed manner.”