Jackson ‘not acting for union’

Press, 27 May 1988, Page 6

Jackson ‘not acting for union’

PA Auckland The Maori activist, Syd Jackson, last evening denied embarrassing his trade union by taking up the case of the suspended health co-ordinator, Titewhai Harawira. Mr Jackson, who is secretary of the Northern Clerical Workers’ Union, has filed a personal grievance claim with the Industrial Conciliation and Mediation Service on her behalf, although she is a member of a different union.

That has angered some members of his union and the president, Mrs Joan Bloxham, issued a firm statement that the union was not acting in support of Mrs Harawira.

“The majority of our members would not want the union to become involved in the activities of Maori extremists,” she said.

Mr Jackson had assured her he was not acting in any union role in dealings with Mrs Harawira. But Mrs Bloxham said she was concerned to

hear that a letter Mr Jackson had written in connection with the case was on headed union notepaper. Mrs Bloxham said she would not pre-empt any possible action the union executive might take against Mr Jackson. Mr Jackson reponded last evening, “I am convinced I have caused no embarrassment to the union because I have not pretended to represent them.” He was representing Mrs Harawira as a private

individual and on behalf of the Maori committee of the New Zealand Combined Trade Unions executive. “I have been acting in that capacity and have taken leave from work to attend meetings.” Mr Jackson said he "just happened” to write a letter on union notepaper but that was not intended to suggest any union involvement. “I have made it clear in meetings that I was not there in a union capacity,” he said.