Printers in Australia and N.Z. may federate

Press, 2 April 1987, Page 16

Printers in Australia and N.Z. may federate

• Australian and New Zealand printers may join forces to establish a federation of printing unions.

The seventh International Printing Conference, held in Christchurch this week, explored the possibility of establishing an Australian and New Zealand federation.

Delegates would report back to their respective organisations, said the secretary of the New Zealand Printers’ Union, Mr Jack Webb. Mr Webb said there were many areas of interest and concern between Australia and New Zealand. These included industry and apprentice training, the management of technology, and the advent of new technology.

"Unions need to be more international in terms of new technology as employers are.”

Government policies in both countries which are seen as impediments to industry growth and union activity were discussed at some length. Health and safety also came in for debate, the conference noting the lack of legislative safeguards in New Zealand to protect both workers and the public against hazardous chemicals. The two unions have a combined membership of 72,000.

The Australian Printing and Kindred Industries Union was represented by Mr Tom Burton, Queensland branch secretary, Mr Tom Mortimer, South Australian branch secretary, Mr lan Wenham, Victorian branch secretary, and Mr John Cahill, the federal secretary. New Zealand was re-

presented by Mr Doug Williamson, national vice president, Mr Noel Harris, Canterbury and Westland branch secretary, Mr Jack Fleury, Otago-Southland branch secretary, and Mr 'Jack Webb.

The conference began on Tuesday and ended yesterday.