British ships still idle at N.Z. ports

Press, 3 February 1981, Page 6

British ships still idle at N.Z. ports

PA >■! i y■■- >< "Auckland ? -The'-British -National' Union of Seamen has told its members on board ships in New Zealand waters to work a 40hour week, but this move is unlikely to make it possible for ships to sail. ’ " The education officer, for the union, Mr W. Wilcox. who arrived at Auckland yesterday, said no instructions had been given to crews to leave their ships. i Mr Wilcox . said crews on ships at New Zealand ports, had been asked to stay on board. ' About seven British ships are held up around the coast I

I at present '•and ' according to Mr .-Wilcox several ; of these i Have have been ■ put off pay. . ? ' In instances where ships • were working cargo thegf&| : stricted 40-hour week 'was i possible but Mr . Wilcox said it was unlikely that' ships • would sail under these restrici tion ?-S ' Yesterday Wilcox visit- ! ed the tanker British Security, i which has been held up. at Auckland ...for? 'pearly weeks. - ;' He said the crew’s morale was good, they were still receiving meals on board but ; the ship was likely to be in Auckland “for a while yet.”