T.E.A.L. Pilots Not To Strike

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30279, 4 November 1963, Page 12

T.E.A.L. Pilots Not To Strike

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 3. Tasman Empire Airways’ pilots and navigators today revoked their decision to go on strike at noon tomorrow pending a meeting with the management of T.E.A.L. to be presided over by the Wellington Conciliation Commissioner. Mr H. M. Hopper. This meeting will begin in Auckland on Wednesday afternoon.

The secretary of the Airline Pilots’ Association (Captain J. W. Dickinson) issued the following statement from Wellington today. “The overseas branch of the Airline Pilots’ Association has revoked its decision to strike at noon on Monday. The association has decided to test the sincerity of the company in its confidence that a further meeting will bring about a settlement of the issues in dispute to the satisfaction of both the company and its pilots. “The association has been influenced in its decision by its natural concern for the inconvenience which will be inflicted on the traveDing public if a stoppage takes

place “Moreover, the promise of support from all our overseas affiliates through the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations. London, could involve a complete disruption of all air services to and from New Zealand. “We have requested the

Secretary of Labour, Mr H. L. Bockett) to make available the services of Mr Hopper, to preside at a meeting between the parties, which we expect, will begin in Auckland next Wednesday afternoon.” Sir Andrew McKee, chairman of directors of T.E.AL said tonight that the decision of the association was welcomed most sincerely by the management. The company was confident ; that under the chairmanship of Mr Hopper and with the i expression of goodwill on both sides, the airline and the pilots would quickly ! reach a mutually acceptable ' settlement of all outstanding i issues.