End sought to Picton ferry strike

Press, 25 May 1984, Page 2

End sought to Picton ferry strike

Blenheim reporter

A deputation from the Marlborough Harbour Board will meet the deputy Prime Minister, Mr McLay, this morning in an attempt to end the industrial stalemate between the Railways Corporation and its Picton employees.

Board members have asked their chairman, Mr B. J. Dalliessi, and the board’s general manager, Mr M. J. Goulden, to discuss the Cook Strait ferry service and its future with Mr McLay in Wellington.

The want the Government to appoint an industrial mediator to solve continuing disagreements between the corporation and the National Union of Railwaymen.

Grave concern was exEressed at a meeting in [avelock this week at the effect of ferry delays and cancellations on the service’s credibility in the eyes of New Zealanders. Mr N. R. Johnson, who raised the issue at the meeting, said that a disastrous situation had arisen in Picton which showed every

sign of worsening. It was of vital concern to the Harbour Board which spent tens of thousands of dollars on port promotion, and facilities.

“The union is digging in to retain its rights and the Government is just letting the situation develop,” he said.

Mr Johnson suggested that board representatives discuss with Mr McLay and the Minister of Labour, Mr Bolger, the appointment of a mediator for the dispute. “If somebody doesn’t pressure the Government, the thing will develop into a dirty and nasty situation,” said Mr Johnson. “We are a responsible body and this is costing us large amounts of money. “We should be seen to be doing something about it,” he said. Mr G. S. Fuller said that it was now known throughout New Zealand that the ferries were unreliable.

The Picton Borough Council has also supported the call for an independent mediator.