F.O.L “NOT INVOLVED”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30073, 6 March 1963, Page 12

F.O.L “NOT INVOLVED”

Reply To Otago Criticism (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 5. The Federation of Labour was not involved in the South Island freezing works stoppage because the dispute had never been referred to it by the freezing workers, the president of the federation, Mr F. P. Walsh, said today.

Although two freezing workers’ representatives, Messrs P. M. Bulling and B. A. Manson, of the OtagoSouthland union, were in Wellington most of yesterday to see the Minister of Labour (Mr Shand) they did not approach the federation, said Mr Walsh.

“Both myself and the secretary were available, contrary to what Mr Bulling said in Dunedin last night,” Mr Walsh said. “Later I saw the Minister at his request, and Mr Shand read out his telegram directing the freezing workers to return to work or suffer the consequences.

“But I could not comment on the telegram because I was not in a position to do so. Mr Bulling is wrong in implying I made representations which were not in the union’s favour.

“I told the Minister that I couldn’t make any representations because I had no authority to do so.” Mr Walsh also sent a telegram to the secretary of the Otago Trades Council (Mr P. Sutherland) which said: “The executive of the F.O.L. has directed me to draw your council's attention to the conduct of your president Mr W. B, Richards, in involving the trade union movement in a national dispute without first having referred the dispute to the executive of the F.O.L.

“The executive is gravely concerned at the action of Mr Richards in addressing the Southland Trades Council on Saturday because in doing so he has violated the constitution of the F.O.L. We appeal to your council to take appropriate steps to comply with the constitution of the F.0.L.,” the telegram said.