Smear sheet denounced

Press, 2 June 1989, Page 4

Smear sheet denounced

An anonymous smear sheet, circulating as the ballot is taken for a new Canterbury Clerical Workers’ Union secretary, has been denounced by the union.

Described as a “candidates’ profile,” the sheet compares the two union organisers standing for the top job vacated by Mr Leon Morel on April 30 — the acting secretary, Mr Bernard Mcllhone, and Ms Shona Hawkins.

Ms Hawkins, it says, has been a clerical worker since 1980 and had a long involvement in union activities. Jobs as a Post Office clerk, T.A.B. worker and as a Transpac clerical worker were listed as “previous relevant work experience.”

Mr Mcllhone, the photocopied sheet says, “is a political science graduate with very little work experience, but very definite political ambition.” His previous relevant work experience is listed as “nil.”

The sheet says: "If you believe that a union made up of 90 per cent women should be organised by women for women?

“If you want the union’s management brought closer to the members?

“It is imperative that you vote and that you vote for the women (sic) candidate.”

The national president of the Clerical Workers’ Association, Mrs Lena Schenkel, immediately dissociated the union

from the electioneering sheet. “I wish to make it clear that none of these circulars have been published by the union or approved by the union,” she said in a statement.

“The only candidates' statements published by the union are those which have been approved by the returning officer and which will be included with ballot papers."

Mrs Schenkel declined to answer further questions.

Mr Mcllhone, appointed acting secretary from Mr Morel’s resignation until the postal election on June 27, said he was saddened that the ballot had descended to character assassination.

The issue w'as who could best serve the union at a time of unprecedented attack by employers, particularly given the non-settlement of the clerical award.

“I am not standing against anybody — I am standing to do a job on behalf of the membership,” Mr Mcllhone said.

Ms Hawkins denied the smear sheet was part of her campaign.

Asked if she knew who published and distributed it, she said she was not prepared to comment.

However, Ms Hawkins said she agreed with the sentiments expressed in the sheet relating to her clerical experience and Mr Mcllhone’s lack of experience.