PROTEST BY PLUMBERS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29916, 1 September 1962, Page 12

PROTEST BY PLUMBERS

Nomination Of Secretary w (N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN. Aug 31. The Otago branch of the Plumbers’ Union has protested to the Registrar of Industrial Unions, over the proposed appointment of a national secretary for the union. The union has asked all branches to approve of the appointment of Mr L. A. Hadley as national secretary of the union. Mr Hadley, who is an executive member of the Federation of Labour, was recently elected Wellington branch secretary of the union. The president of the Otago branch (Mr W. B. Richards') said today that the national secretary’s job was the key position in the union, and it should be filled after nominations had been called and a vote of members taken throughout New Zealand. The method of appointment by approval of branches did not permit the position to be filled by accepted democratic processes. “The branches are really given no choice.” Mr Richards said. “We feel it is up to the registrar to investigate this appointment set-up. which we are sure would not be acceptable to any other national union."

Until the method of appointment has been satisfactorily adjusted, the Otago branch has decided to withhold capitation fees from the national organisation.