Union O.K. Cards

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32314, 4 June 1970, Page 1

Union O.K. Cards

From next week, Christchurch boilermakers who are not members of their union may have difficulty getting a job or keeping it, as. union members will refuse to work with them. The unionists will be issued with O.K. cards showing that they have paid the current subscription. Shop stewards at each Christchurch plant will check all boilermakers to see that they are cardcarriers, and future job applicants will be asked to produce their cards before starting work. The cards are being printed in two colours—one for boilermakers who have served their time as apprentices or have passed

trade tests, and the other for unqualified boilermakers. ■ Although O.K. cards have been issued for some years by Australian trade unions, it is believed that this is the first time that a New Zealand union has taken the step. The secretary of the Canterbury Boilermakers’ Union (Mr G. G. Walker) said yesterday that the policy had been adopted by the union’s annual meeting last week because members were concerned at the number of non-union boilermakers working at the trade in Christchurch. The union has about 350 financial members.