Strikes for wage talks

Press, 13 April 1984, Page 1

Strikes for wage talks

PA New Plymouth Unions representing the 1300 member construction work-force on Synfuel’s gas-to-gasoline project at Motunui struck from midnight last night in support of the right of workers to negotiate with employers on wages and conditions. They will not return to work until Tuesday, according to officials. The action had been voted on by more than 1300 engineers, carpenters, painters, drivers, labourers, storemen and packers, and clerical, electrical, and hotel workers. An overwhelming majority favoured the stoppage and the presentation of a petition to the Government on the issue. Spokesmen said the action was not necessarily being taken on their own account but as a matter or principle and out of concern for lower-paid workers. The industry relations manager of Bechtel Pacific Corporation, Mr John Haslemore, said his company was informed of the stoppage at noon yesterday. Pilkington Glass workers who say they take home $l6B basic pay walked out yesterday after their employer rejected a request for wage bargaining. The 16 Furniture Workers’ Union members, who toughen glass at the factory, had given 14 days notice of industrial action and this expired yesterday.

A job delegate, Mr Terry Connelly, said, “Our employer won’t even talk to us about it. All he wants is to get round the negotiating table.” A union organiser, Mr Pat Roberts, said the workers were determined to stay out indefinitely and would meet again on Monday. The union will ask members who work for Pilkington in Wellington for financial support for the Auckland workers. A company spokesman was unavailable for comment.