More allegations of union irregularities

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33654, 2 October 1974, Page 3

More allegations of union irregularities

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 1. The Opposition spokesman on industrial relations (Mr J. B. Gordon) said this evening that some charges against unions that he and Mr Muldoon knew about, had become more serious recently.

“I have in mind when speaking to the Institute of Transport shortly to cite a much graver case of possible misappropriation of union funds,” Mr Gordon told the Otago Chamber of Commerce in Dunedin. “I have already referred this matter, in private, to the Minister of Labour,” Mr Gordon said. “He indicated he was aware of the situation, but the Opposition and the people of New Zealand, as well as other union members, are entitled to know if that alleged malpractice is proven.” Dossier He said that he and Mr Muldoon had built up a substantial dossier of cases concerning alleged union malpractices. “Let me make it quite clear that they by no means cover all trade unions. Malpractices, as such, that we have on record would cover a small proportion of the 309 trade unions currently operating in New Zealand,” Mr Gordon said. The Opposition was pressing for a wide-ranging inquiry into trade union affairs because it was not possible to put some of the evidence it had before a court.

Mr Gordon said that the National Party was not looking for legislation against union officials or unions alone. “The National Party will not be outlawing the right to strike, but equally so, it would be fair to state that one of the prime objectives of the National Party is to prevent strike action,” he said. The party was considering ■penal clauses that would be I administered by the Industrial Court, and also a workers’ constitution, but no firm (policy had been decided. “National looks to the cooperation of both the F.O.L. iand the employers in the working out of policies for improved industrial relations and trade unionism,” Mr Gordon said. Dairy decline. — The number of dairy farms and farm dairies declined 1515 in 1973-74, the Minister of Agriculture, (Mr Moyle),has said in a written reply to a Parliamentary question. — IP. A. Candidate. — The Member of Parliament for Clutha, Mr |J. B. Gordon, will again be the National Party candidate at the General Election next year. When nominations : closed yesterday, Mr Gor- ! don’s name was the onlj one at forward.