No bribes, says union

Press, 16 August 1980, Page 1

No bribes, says union

The Victorian president of the Australasian Meat Industry- Employees’ Union, Mr Jack Sparks, said yesterday he had never asked New Zealand meat, workers for support on the live sheep export issue. , /•./' ■ This 'was confirmed? by 1 the " national secretary of the New Zealand Meat Workers’ Union, Mr A. J. Kennedy, who said “it was no secret that New Zealand meat workers were not asked to become involved in industrial action on the issue.”

He said that the New Zealand union made an evaluation on the principle involved and took action accordingly. A$ a result of the dispute, solidarity between meat workers, in. the two countries had been strengthened. Mr Kennedy said that he was sure Australian meat workers, “would not be lacking in reciprocal action if required.” The move by Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia), Ltd, to bring the

case under the Arbitration Commission had - been . a ■ major factor in. the deci- . sion- to return to work, said Mr Kennedy,, The. assistant national secretary, -oL . The /v Meat’. < ;. Workers’ ' Union ' Mr J. ■ i Sneddon, ; said " yesterday ; that an. offer of a bribe hadrjjeen<made?to/hlm J “a couple of years ago” dyer the export of live sheep issue,*' ' . ' ' He said that he was not prepared to make any further comment other. than that there had probably been more than one “offer.” : .. . Mr Sneddon said that it was a “well known fact” and that there was nothing to be gained by saying more,. . Mr Kennedy said that no offer of bribes had been made to him by

people wanting/ to expert./ lives sheep.'/’; ■' / •’■? \ He said that he had spoken i .to, people w.anting/td • export -live, sheep; . “but : I think- they probably know better/fhari to /offer me \ ar. bribe.-” /. •• - NZPA reports from/Mel-;/. : :■ bourne that Mr Sparks ■■■•: X 5 said’ 'het had ■ talked’. to’. sev^;. eral New Zealand colleagues on Thursday and' had adyised them to. lift any bah on the loading, of New Zealand meat for . exports.? ■.■ '?? /■?• .■' He said the ban had;achieved its aim of influencing the employers, to shift from the civil courts to arbitration on the issue of exports of live sheep to the Middle. East, and- the section of the Trade Practices Act which .was invoked against union action ,in the matter. / '*,■