Cabinet Discusses Auckland Strike

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32010, 10 June 1969, Page 1

Cabinet Discusses Auckland Strike

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 9. The Cabinet today devoted “considerable time” to a discussion on the Auckland Electricians strike and considered action which might be taken if a settlement is not reached.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said tonight that the Cabinet had decided there was no need to issue a statement on the dispute because the Minister of Labour (Mr Shand) had made a comprehensive statement in Auckland on Saturday. “The Government fully

supports this statement,” Mr Holyoake said. “The Government is also aware that a number of meetings are taking place tomorrow between interested parties and we sincerely hope that wise counsels will prevail and that work will be resumed.” Asked what the Government would do if the 500 electricians did not return to work, Mr Holyoake said: “The Cabinet discussed possible action which might be taken if a settlement did not eventuate. A first step would be the calling of a compulsory conference.” In Auckland on Saturday, in an address to the Mount Albert National Party, Mr Shand said the vast majority of striking electrical workers were fair-minded citizens under the domination of an irresponsible leadership, which had deceived them into thinking they were acting properly in their own interests. In this the electrical workers were making a very great mistake.