Breakaway vote

Press, 24 June 1981, Page 6

Breakaway vote

Canterbury clerical workers will vote this evening on whether to remain Within .their national association, or to withdraw land 'directly, with the -of Labour” •; The executive . of the Canterbury Clerical-Workers' Union wished to withdraw from the Clerical Association because it felt that dues would be better spent locally, and because there was general dissatisfaction with the association, said the union's secretary, Mrs Doreen Shannon, yesterday. Next year,: the union’s dues to the association ..would amount to about $50,000. A recommendation to

withdraw would be put to members at a meeting at the Trade Union Qentre at 7.30 p.m. The main reason for the existence of the association, which represented the seven clerical unions in New' Zealand, was 1 to negotiate national ; awards. However, this'could still be achieved without an association if unions came together voluntarily at negotiations. Each union had its own management committee, and not being part of the association would, not disadvantage members, said Mrs Shannon.

The association's secretary, Mr John Slater, said from Wellington that the association's point of view

would be put to the Canterbury members at the meet•ing and an' attempt would be made to retain their membership. ' ’

; A' meeting of clerical union representatives from throughout' L New Zealand would, be, held in Christchurch ’at 1 p.m. today to decide the association's case, and who would present it, he said.

Mr Slater said that the association Would lose a net income of $7OOO from the Canterbury union, if it withdrew.

He declined to comment on the move to withdraw, saying that this Would, have to wait until the executive council meeting today.