Many union exemptions for religious beliefs

Press, 16 December 1985, Page 36

Many union exemptions for religious beliefs

Strong religious beliefs have played a prominent part in winning exemption from union membership for 23 New Zealanders. The exemptions, announced in decisions handed down by the Union Membership Exemption Tribunal, included two in Christchurch and 10 in Nelson. Only four applications were rejected alter the tribunal’s series of October hearings in Auckkland, Hamilton, Nelson and Christchurch. The failed ap- ! dications were in Auckland three) and Hamilton (one). Of the 23 exemptions approved, 18 were on religious grounds. Twelve of those applicants were members of the Exclusive Brethren. Six of the 10 exemptions granted in Nelson were for Exclusive Brethren. The two Christchurch workers given dispensation ■were Wiebe Jan Dykstra (Post Office Union) and Ronald Alexander Taylor (Canterbury Clerical Workers’ Union), ■= Mr Dykstra is a clock repairer employed by the. Post Office. He toM tte tribunal, chaired by Mrs B. Qujintin-Baxter, that his

objection to union membership was based on his “deeply held conviction based on Christian principles.” In giving its decision the tribunal said it was satisfied that Mr Dykstra genuinely objected, on grounds of conscience or other deeply held conviction, to becoming a member of any union whatsoever, and it unanimously granted him exemption from union membership. Its decision on Mr Taylor, a senior assistant planning officer with the Canterbury Hospital Board, was worded similarly. Mr Taylor had told the tribunal hearing that he objected to union membership because over the years he had been “totally opposed to the irresponsible and selfish actions of unions to the detriment of all members of society.” The six Nelson Exclusive Brethren exemptions granted were to: Juliette Grace Woodman (Canterbury, Westland, Nelson and Marlborough Clothing Trades Union), a silk goods handler employed by Miss . Julia Woodman; Anna Marie *slill (Nelson . Clerical Em- -- .-J*- —

ployees’ Union), an office worker employed by R. Lucas and Son; Patricia Florence Williams (Canterbury, Westland, Nelson, and Marlborough Clothing Trades Union), a machinist for Martha Washington Manufacturing Company, Ltd; Bevan Henry Wills (Shop Employees’ Union), a S assistant with D. J. of Nelson; Ruth Grace Petrie (Clerical Workers’ Union), a clerk with Newmans Coach Lines, Ltd; and Jonathan Peter Underwood (Nelson Road Transport Union), a digger operator for M. G. Corrie-Johnston. Members of the Exclusive Brethren believe they should not join a trade union and be linked with Ens who could be “lingers.” They consider their responsibility is to their employers and that unions only intervene in the master-servant relationship which is required by the teachings of the Bible. Each of their submissions was based on this belief and was found acceptable by the : tribunal ; ' •

Also granted exemptions because of. their religious belief were Jacqueline Eva

Hewetson (Labourers, General Workers and Related Trades Union), a nursery worker at Woodlands Nurseries, Ltd, of Nelson; and David Victor Croucher (Nelson Timber Industry Employees’ Union), a timber worker employed by South Pine, who described himself as a born-again Christian.

Victoria Marion Clare (Shop Employees’ Union), a dispensary assistant employed by Richmond Mall Chemists, Ltd, was given dispensation from union membership because of her strong convictions about, and opposition to, what she regarded as the “militant attitudes and policies of unions in general, particularly their readiness to call workers out on strike.”

The tenth Nelson worker granted exemption was John Hollis Wearing (Nelson Road Transport Drivers’ Union), a driver for BP Oil New Zealand, Ltd. His objection to union membership, accepted by : the tribunal, was based on his strong disapproval of the ideals and behaviour * of unions.