Stoppages, and suspensions

Press, 25 May 1977, Page 3

Stoppages, and suspensions

PA Masterton The signing of an agreement to give Wairarapa drivers wages parity with Wellington would spell “economic doom’ for the road carriers of the district, said the chairman of the Wairarapa Road Carriers’ Association (Mr A. J. Pinfold) yesterday. A trailer ban on Transport Wairarapa, Ltd, yesterday resulted in the suspension of 15 drivers. In retaliation, town-delivery drivers at the firm walked out in sympathy, resulting in the total loss of 52 drivers. Suspensions are expected at two firms today, Pinfolds Transport, Ltd, and Allen and Huntley, Ltd, where notice has been given by the union that restrictive practices will be carried out. Mr Pinfold said the suspensions would be in force until

the drivers returned to normal work. Rolling stoppages and trailer bans were imposed by the Drivers’ Union after a refusal by the association to increase drivers’ wages in the district. The drivers cldim an extra $5.82 for a basic 40hour week to bring them in line with the Wellington men. A union spokesman, Mr G. O’Connor, said that 24-hour trailer bans had already been imposed this week on a Martinborough firm, Days Transport, Ltd, and a Masterton firm, Brian Hansen, Ltd. “We are not backing down,” Mr O’Connor said. “We thought the Carriers’ Association would have considered our claim and come to some settlment . . . but it has rejected the lot.” Rolling stoppages and trailer bans would continue for the rest of the week.