Parity for harbour pilots opposed

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33869, 14 June 1975, Page 17

Parity for harbour pilots opposed

GV.Z Press Association) WELLINGTON. The claims by harbour pilots for parity in salaries with seagoing masters are untenable, according to the Commission of Inquiry into harbour pilotage. In its report, tabled in Parliament today, the commission said that the responsibilities of the shipmaster were more widespread and comprehensive than those of the harbour pilot, and had to be exercised for a much longer period. As well, the shipmaster was required to be away from home and family for long periods, and had the “onerous and unenviable” task of maintaining discipline in his shin as well as controlling an often militant crew. At the same time, however, the commission, under the chairmanship of Mr A. A.

I Coates, S.M., found that too {wide a gap existed between ; the salaries of New Zealand . I shipmasters and those of har--1 bour pilots. ■ “A continuance of this sitfuation can only perpetuate /industrial disharmony, to the . detriment of both parties and of the public interest, which ' must be adversely affected by an interruption dr loss of efficiency in the pilotage ser1 vice.” the report says. "! The commission suggests' a reappraisal by each partv J' to the dispute might well' ‘ nrove rewarding, and could f lead to a better understand- > ing by each of the other’s ‘ point of view. Other major findings in I r the report are that there is ; no justification for replacing r the existing system of pilot-; >.age by some alternative. The 'commission considered and - rejected control by an tnde- ’• pendent corporation, a division of some existing corporation or authority, a dlvijision of a Government departement, and a co-operative ser-

i vice run by the pilots themi selves. I Nor was the establishment of a special wage-fixing authority for pilots justified . or acceptable, it found. The commission does, how- . ever, recommend the estabI lishment of an appeal author- ! if y-