Air N.Z. Strike Threat

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31662, 24 April 1968, Page 1

Air N.Z. Strike Threat

(N.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 23.

Air New Zealand may have to stop services next month if a threatened strike by aircraft workers takes place.

Nearly 600 workers, all members of the Engineering Union, have threatened to strike on May 6 in support of keeping a 5c over-award payment. In a secret ballot the men voted strongly in favour of a stoppage. Engineers, mechanics, fitters, senior aircaft hands, aircraft storemen and tarmac loaders are involved in the dispute. The secretary of the Auckland branch of the Engineering Union (Mr J. J. Crummey) said the men were fighting to keep their award margins. He said that in October, 1965, Air New Zealand and N.A.C. had started to pay $2 over the award rate. In November, 1967, the airlines told the employees and the union they were absorbing the increase to indentured'tradesmen in the new award rate. “From that time the union has been pressing to get the

company to maintain the margin which it created over the award rate," he said. “No Progress”

No progress had been made in negotiations since, he said. An airline spokesman denied tonight that a margin was created as stated by the union.

“The Aircraft Workers' award expired on February 18 this year and the company has already said it is willing to examine all rates of pay and margins during the negotiations of a new award.

“The company has also offered to assist in the early setting up of conciliation procedures.

“The union’s action has been referred to the Secretary of Labour and the company is hopeful that the matter will be resolved under the new processes of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act.”