Drivers’ Dispute Could Spread

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31548, 9 December 1967, Page 1

Drivers’ Dispute Could Spread

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, December 8.

Fears of pre-Christmas disruption in deliveries of foodstuffs, and in supplies to Auckland industry and commerce grew today as officials hinted that a dispute between drivers and carrying firms might spread to the waterfront and railway yards.

The Auckland Master Carriers’ Association and the Auckland Owner-Drivers’ Association have given a week’s notice to more than 1300 drivers because of the refusal by 22 drivers employed by A. B. Wright and Sons to end their 12-day strike.

The stoppage is over the men’s claim for 8c an hour above their award.

Today 140 drivers employed by Winstone, Ltd, who are among the drivers given notice, stopped work for the day in protest. UNIONS TO MEET On Monday delegates of 22 unions—including carpenters, boilermakers, labourers, freezing workers and engineers—will meet in the town hall to discuss the effect of the dismissals on industry. Mr W. R. Thompson, advocate for the association, said the withdrawal of about one fifth of the Auckland transport fleet could cause considerable disruption to the flow of goods. Efforts would be made to ensure the supply of perishable foodstuffs.

Mr Thompson said the dis-

missal notices would stand unless Wright’s drivers returned to work. • Mr G. H. Andersen, secretary of the Northern Drivers’ Union, said the employers’ action was contrary to the public interest and would cause considerable disruption. Mr Andersen said the union was determined to get as much flour and foodstuffs moved as possible by using drivers who were not members of the associatipn. Mr Andersen said earlier that all deliveries to the waterfront, warehouses and the railways by a large majority of carriers would stop as a resu,lt of the dismissals. “We have no dispute with the great majority of master carriers because most of them pay above the 8c an hour margin,” he said. On Tuesday drivers dismissed will meet in the town hall to hear the latest developments, and discuss whether oil tanker and general and roading contractors’ drivers should hold a stop-work meeting later in the week.