Plan to import machinists ‘height of absurdity’

Press, 14 May 1987, Page 4

Plan to import machinists ‘height of absurdity’

An Auckland company’s plan to import Asian machinists has been described as the "height of absurdity” by the Canterbury Clothing Trade Union’s • secretary, Mr Hugh McCrory. Cambridge Clothing has applied to the Labour Department to bring six sample machinists, with at least five years experience, from Hong Kong, according to a Press Association report. The company has *an agency in Christchurch but does not make goods there.

Mr McCrory said the

company’s claim that the jobs could not be filled by New Zealanders was farcical. The jobs in Auckland could be filled if. they were advertised in Christchurch and a reasonable rate of pay was offered, he said. The award wage for machinists was $265.64 gross a week although sample machinists, who construct the specimen garment, were usually paid above the. award. ». Mr McCrory was also concerned that the company said it could not

train workers already em-

ployed. If Cambridge Clothing’s application to bring the skilled machinists to New Zealand was successful. Mr McCrory said he doubted that Christchurch clothing manufacturers would follow the lead but “other people could try it" Mr Stu McCaffley, industrial consultant for the Northern Apparel Workers’ Union, sought an urgent meeting with Cambridge Clothing. He said his union was considering action to prevent the employment of the Hong Kong machinists.