Fish-handling talks soon

Press, 6 March 1980, Page 2

Fish-handling talks soon

. PA ' ' Wellington : The six-day-old ban by th( New Zealand Watersiders Federation on /.he export pi fish was lifted at 7 a.m yesterday,’’ ’ The Union’s decision to lift 1 the ban and remove restrictions on" 'the unloading Of 'joint-VenturO 'fishing vessels 1 was welcomed by the gen- 1 eral ; manager of the Fishing Industry ’ Board (Mr N. E. • Jarman)? ' ’ ■ ' . ;-" ir • Representatives - of the 1 fishing, industry and the 1 watersiders will meet to dis- ■ cuss the union’s’ complaints i in Wellington on Monday. I ; .The watersiders’ national secretary- (Mr E. Thompson) ' said the decision to lift the i ban and other' restrictions r had been made on Tuesday t afternoon. The parties would f now meet to “explore the't

questions that have' caused he dispute.” The union and the board lave .spent the last two days Exchanging “diplomatic lotes” and telephone calls, putting up and considering proposals which might have the restrictions lifted until ?a more permanent solution could be found. The basis of the dispute is th. Fishing Industry (Union Coverage) Act, passed by Parliament last year, which prevents watersiders from; loading and unloading fishing .vessels: at. New Zealand ports.. The board has said it wants .the terms of the act implemented by the Government, but ...the union coni’..mes its long-standing opposition to the provisions of the legislation.