Ferry disputes continue as back-log grows

Press, 18 February 1980, Page 1

Ferry disputes continue as back-log grows

PA Wellington The depleted Cook Strait ferries timetable is not likely to change unless new. ititiatives emerge today towards settling the disputes.. The cargo back-log is increasing. The deck officers’ restrictive action stems from a commission of inquiry finding that engineer officers should have parity with deck officers’ pay, in spite of the deck officers’ longer hours. The deck officers have offered to forgo a wage increase so that more. deck officers could be employed and thus reduce their hours. The offer has been rejected by the. Minister of Labour (Mr Bolger). The pay rise amounts to about $l7OO a year.

The other group restricting ferry services is the Picton harbour workers, whose dispute over bereavement leave for a Marlborough Harbour Board employee erupted a fortnight ago. If the Marlborough Harbour Board management does not agree to meet its staff before midnight tonight, all of tomorrow’s sailings will be cancelled and sailings from Wednesday onwards will be reduced to one a day. A further complication is workers’ refusal to repair a defective rail ferry car-ramp at Picton. Traffic except passengers, cars, and perishables' is piling up at both terminals. By Saturday more than 1400 railway waggonswere waiting to cross the strait.