Page 16 Advertisements Column 2

Press, 10 August 1982, Page 16

THE PRESS CLASSIFIED 792-440

HELP NEEDED TO SURVIVE BLACK BAN Since July 23 freight forwarding storemen at freight forwarders yards have refused to handle goods in or out for Mid Canterbury Transport under instructions from their union. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to customers serviced by this part of our operations, which has also forced us to suspend two of our drivers. Our local cartage operations are not effected by this ban but we need the continued and increasing support of our clients to off-set the effect of this ban on our total operations. In stating the problem we have, we are sure that all our clients will see the reasons for the stand we are taking and seek your support by giving us as much business as you possibly can. to keep our staff in their jobs and allow us to continue giving service, as we have done for nearly 60 years. We fully recognise the rights of our employees to be members of their appropriate union and have always sought and indeed enjoy full cooperation with union officials. The present dispute revolves around the onforwarding part of our operations, in particular the unloading of containers from an Auckland client. The Packing and Warehouse Workers’ Union are demanding that we be covered by v The Bulk Freight Forwarders’ (Stores) Award either by insisting that one of bur existing drivers (all of whom are members of The Drivers’ Union) should jbin the Stores Person Packers’ Union or that we should take bn a new‘employee who would be a member of that union. Alternatively the Union demands that we cease to perform work for our Auckland client. In view of the fact that the on-forwarding part of our operations is not classified as bulk freight forward we have been advised by The Department of Labour that we are not part of The Bulk Freight Forwarders’ (Stores) Award. If we did in fact force one of our drivers to leave The Drivers’ Union and join The Stores Person Union we would have to pay him at a higher rate. There is insufficient work for such a person In our operations as he would not be available for driving. In addition, such a move would be contrary to The Wage Freeze Regulations. In summary: (1) If we force one of our present drivers to join ■ • The Stores Person Union (a) we could be : ■ prosecuted under the Wage Freeze Regula:(b) we would face extra costs without being able to increase our rates; (c) other transport companies would be subjected to the same pressure we are now experibhcing. (2) If we cease to perform the work (a) two drivers ” will remain under suspension; (b) the rest of our operations could be effected with further suspensions likely until alternative work is found; (c) other carriers will probably be attacked in the same way. We are taking legal action to protect our staff and our clients and to defend our industry from industrial tactics which we consider are not only unreasonable but also illegal. Support our Stand by Giving us your Business ASHBURTON 7079 CHRISTCHURCH 63-583 MID-CANTERBURY TRANSPORT.