Rubber workers

Press, 11 January 1986, Page 16

Rubber workers

Sir,—l cannot see the justification for rubber workers receiving the dole. I do not doubt the hardship of some workers, and feel sorry for those who do not wish to strike; but again the taxpayers are committed to subsidising unemployment. I would like to see the day, but doubt it will come, when employees take a cut in wages to save a company from closing down. In these days of increasing financial stress, unions and some members still advocate increasing wages, 1 regardless of cost. When there are so many unemployed people who wish to work for fair and reasonable terms I cannot understand the ignorance of striking members. I would welcome back the deregulation of unions. I did not notice any decrease in wages or change in conditions with deregulation, only the powerlessness of unions which were struggling for membership. Who is the majority? — Yours, etc., KARIN RUBBER. January 10, 1986.

Sir,—The employers’ advocate confesses to horror at striking rubber workers being given the unemployment benefit. The options he gave to the unions were such that no other course but strike was left to members. Inept management and poor salesmanship gave the employers the excuse to force redundancy and wage cut-backs on the workers. Congratulations to them on timing and using legislation dating back to Mr Bolger’s term and never rescinded as promised by the Labour Government. Let Mr McPhail and his limousine peers live without wages and go on the benefit for seven weeks. Of all the Labour members of Parliament in Christchurch, Mr J. Anderton was the only one to help, and he responded immediately with practical advice. Our members are grateful to him. — Yours, etc., J. O. HAMILTON. January 10, 1986.