‘Scab’ insult costly for unemployed man

Press, 1 May 1984, Page 8

‘Scab’ insult costly for unemployed man

PA Auckland The word “scab” and its derivatives were clearly insulting in an industrial situation, a judge ruled yesterday. Before Judge Blackwood in the District Court at Auckland was Robert Brewer, aged 53, an unemployed storeman, of Epsom. He pleaded not guilty to using the words, “You dirty scab Kathy,” intending to insult another person at the Mall, Onehunga, on August 1. After listening to the evidence, the Judge found the chafrge proved. He convicted £ Btjjver and fined him $lOO.

In his decision, the Judge said that there had been a long-standing and antagonistic industrial dispute at a liquor store at Onehunga. The woman complainant had continued to work while other members of her Union picketed the premises. Remarks were directed at the staff who stayed at work and at members of the public using the store. The complainant told the Court that on August 1, Brewer went to the door of the wine shop and said loudly, “You are a dirty scab Kathy.” She was very upset. Brewer said he had asked,

“Are you still scabbing, Kathy?” He had had no intention of insulting the complainant and never said “You are a . dirty scab.” Judge Blackwood said the word “scab” and its derivatives were clearly insulting in an industrial situation and were designed to label , a person as a blackleg. He found Brewer said the words contained in the charge. Had he found the defendant had not used them, but had asked “Are you still scabbing, Kathy?” he would still have ruled the question to be insulting and he woigd have amended the charg<s4he Judge said. /