UNIONS WARNED

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 15

UNIONS WARNED

Cut In Port Revenue

'N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent)

LONDON, May 9.

The militancy of some dockers is cutting the Port of London Authority’s revenue, according to the authority’s annual report, which says that the negotiations . situation between unions and employeers is “terribly disappointing." Last year the authority succeeded in halving its deficit of SNZ3.2m, but delays in negotiations with the unions “continues to impose a severe burden on the net revenue account.”

The chairman of the London Port Employers’ Association, Mr John Kiernan, has warned the unions and their members that they must “give up former protective practices” or squander the last chance of London’s docks in the battle for prosperity.

Mr Kiernan said that the unions must be prepared to adapt themselves to new methods, recognise the dangers and competition to the port and their own livelihood, and recognise their responsibilities “in return for their privileges and benefits.

“Unofficial stoppages causing delays to ships and cargoes, bans on the implementation of new agreements, such as one involving a container berth at tilbury, all illustrate that the dockers’ actions are not only to their own detriment, but in fact benefit Continental and other British ports," he said.