Threat to meat trade

Press, 9 August 1980, Page 1

Threat to meat trade

Industrial action that might disrupt New Zealand’s multi-million dollar meat trade to Iran will be the subject of a special stop-work meeting of Lyttelton seamen on Monday morning. The Seamen’s Union in Auckland yesterday put an indefinite picket on the Trojan Star, and put an end to the loading of meat. Wharf labour was sent home for the. day, after the picket began at 9 a.m.. Union officials have said that similar action is planned for a South Island port. The union is angry that foreign-owned vessels carrying New Zealand meat and wool to the Middle; East have no New Zealand crewmen;--': < 'I; ,

The South Island union secretary, Mr T. Stuart will convene the Lyttelton meeting at 8.30 a.m. on Monday. He will leave immediately afterwards for Dunedin and Bluff for discussions there. He said yesterday that “action” would, be initiated in a southern port > . \ The action, which Would be “similar” to that taken in Auckland, would most likely be held at Dunedin or Bluff, Mr Stuart said. Picketing ? could be directed against any foreign, ship that plied trade between New . Zealand and the Middle East and ignored New Zealand labour.

Bluff is believed to be the most likely port for action, because the American Star ts loading meat there for Iran. The American Star and the Trojan Star are-, scheduled to leave New Zealand for the Iranian gulf < port of Bandar ?' Khomeini by August 15. The union has said over the last fortnight that it wants to ' man these ‘‘cross-traders,” or have the Shipping Corporation take. part in the ; Middle East trade. ? -- . ’