M.P.s warned by union president

Press, 31 August 1989, Page 6

M.P.s warned by union president

PA Auckland Labour members of Parliament in Auckland were warned yesterday they could find themselves without union support in the General Election if they supported the Anzac frigate deal. The combined Trade Unions regional president, Bill Andersen, issued the veiled threat while calling for all labour candidates to state their positions on the subject. “There should be more individual accountability by Labour M.P.s,” he said. “We are going to check out to every degree possible how Labour M.P.S are voting on this issue. They should be aware that their vote will have an affect on the degree of

trade union support in the General Election.” The party’s Auckland regional organiser, Mr Andrew Beyer, said he did not agree with the Combined Trade Unions’ method of putting pressure on M.P.s. “It is inappropriate that M.P.S can be singled out on their vote in caucus when it is a collective decision,” he said. “The decision that is made on the frigates will be a decision made by the Government, and it is inappropriate to single out M.P.s on that issue or any other issue.” The Engineers’ Union yesterday reaffirmed its support for the frigates, which it sees as creating jobs for its members.