British unions told of N.Z. views

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34129, 15 April 1976, Page 14

British unions told of N.Z. views

r (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 14. Trade union leaders in the United Kingdom are being told that the New Zealand trade union movement does not support the views of the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) on immigrants from the United Kingdom and trade union activity. The Drivers’ Federation yesterday cabled the general secretary of the British Transport and General Workers’ Union (Mr Jack Jones) to that effect. The general secretary of the federation (Mr Stewart McCaffley) today released the cable, which also said: "You should be aware that he (Mr Muldoon) has publicly expressed an open-door invitation to racists from South

Africa and Rhodesia to immigrate to New Zealand. “His Government’s intentions to attack and restrict our trade union movement

in New Zealand will consolidate our unity. His provocative international statements will likewise cement the international solidarity of our world trade union movement.” Mr McCaffley said similar cables would be sent to other trade union leaders in the United Kingdom. A telegram expressing opposition to the Prime Minister’s statements in the United Kingdom has been sent to the 8.8. C. by the Coachworkers’ Federation. The 8.8. C. has also broadcast statements' by Mr McCaffley and some other New Zealand trade union officials. Mr Muldoon took time out from attacking trade unions to give them a pat on the back in London on Tuesday, reports the London correspondent of “The Press.” In a speech at a luncheon given to him by the Lord Mayor of London, Mr Muldoon said: “We have been fortunate in New Zealand that the trade union movement in the last 18 months has acted very responsibly in that it has been prepared to accept wage increases below increases in the consumers price index—although wage and salary earners have increased their share of the national income over this period. “Nevertheless, without this degree of co-operation and responsibility. Government efforts to maintain employment and adjust the economy to a severe deterioration in the terms of trade would have been made very much more difficult.”