Strike Supported By Other Unions

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31360, 4 May 1967, Page 1

Strike Supported By Other Unions

Members of the Christchurch branch of the Tramways and Public Passenger Workers’ Union will not do any work normally done by railway workers, in the event of a stoppage involving railway workers.

Members of the Canterbury Drivers’ Union will also support the Railway Tradesmen’s Association if it strikes from midnight on Sunday. The Drivers’ Union secretary (Mr A. S. Roberts) yesterday said that supplies of oxygen and coal would be assured for hospitals. Members of his union would not carry goods which were normally carried by rail while the strike lasted.

The Chief Postmaster (Mr M. E. Wilson) yesterday said that every endeavour would be made to move mail, particularly first-class mail, during the strike. He hoped this would be achieved by the use of air freight and special departmental services such as Public Service garage drivers. The Deputy Chief Postmaster (Mr M. Johnston) said

' there would be no delays to - normal services apart from ! parcel deliveries. Those posti ing parcels did so at their own risk. Parcels containing - perishable goods would not ■ be accepted unless the Post ’ Office was sure of delivery. ■ Mr Johnston said that there > might be slight delays in ' house-to-house delivery of ’ rural mails by private con- > tractors. The inter-island ferry and ■ the airways would carry mails I normally handled by rail-air I and Wellington-Picton rail • services. Within the South Island, Post Office transport and ■ other private contractors • would handle all malls car- ■ ried by rail. There would be ■ no infringement of railwaymen’s arrangements on alter- • native goods transport, Mr iVohnston said.