Wrong union named in Aratika dispute

Press, 25 February 1977, Page 6

Wrong union named in Aratika dispute

Members of the Cooks and Stewards’ Union did not walk off the rail ferry Aratika on Tuesday in protest at the food served—it was members of the New Zealand Seamen’s Union. A Press Association report printed in “The Press” yesterday wrongly named the cooks and stewards for the dispute which arose after they had not been served with onions and gherkins with the midday meal. Chocolate biscuits with the tea were also excluded. According to the Railways Department’s manager of airsea services (Mr A. Schofield) I yesterday, it was members of |the seamen’s union who in fact walked off. delaying the sailing of the ship by more than two hours. However, Mr Schofield refused to comment on the [nature of the dispute. On Wednesday union and

Railways Department officialsi declined to comment on the]: report which had been pro- , vided by usually reliable]! sources. Legal action may be taken 1 against a Wellington news- 1 paper for the report, accord- 1 ing to the shipping reporter of “The Press.” T The cooks’ and stewards’,] national president (Mr J. Savage) said in Wellington,, yesterday that the members], of his union had nothing to‘ do with the dispute. “Our cooks would hardly! walk off in protest against;, their own cooking.” he said.q The union executive wash extremely upset at being the IJ target of considerable public ridicule for its part in a dis-;’ pute in which it was notii involved, and the matter wash beiA.g placed in the hands of; I a lawyer to see if any legal'; action could be taken, he” said.

i Legal advice would also be[ (sought about comments] passed on a national talk‘back radio show broadcast on! Wednesday in which the 1 cooks and stewards were! described as a “bunch of|l clowns," said Mr Savage. The union is very angry I and is prepared to go all the [ way with legal action, he said. Mr Savage did not say if! [his union intended taking, 1 (action against other news-i ■ papers which carried a simi-' (lar story. Mr Schofield said that a (report that passengers had ino meal services on board [the Aratika was now no. 'longer correct. An independent dispute;, which had involved cooks [and stewards and pursers was (resolved last week and the. Tight meal service was again < 'available on board the ship. ' 'The service resumed on 'Monday.