Marsden pessimism

Press, 25 October 1982, Page 2

Marsden pessimism

PA Auckland The chances of a full maintenance work programme being completed on the Marsden Point oil refinery are in serious doubt. The only hope now for a breakthrough in the industrial wrangles holding up a start to the work is a meeting in Auckland on Wednesday. The president of the Federation of Labour. Mr W. J. Knox, and other union officials will meet New Zealand Refining Company re-

presentatives in what must be a last bid to break the stalemate at the plant. If these discussions fail, and this seems likely given the attitude of the parties at present, direct Government intervention appears the only way the scheduled maintenance programme can be saved before the refinery starts again on November 26. Talks on Friday at the plant between company representatives and those of boilermakers, engineers and stationary engine drivers (ra-

presenting refinery opera tors) failed. A spokesman foi the company. Mr N. Milne said of the three unions “Their attitude was quite clearly. 'Lets fix a wagt rate.' "Obviously, this could no be done but they would no change their minds. "They are still pushing the same old line. They will no accept the decision of the Minister of Labour. Mi Bolger, not to grant an ex emption from the wagt freeze." Mr Milne said.