EX-STRIKERS SEEK AWARD.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2109, 28 March 1914, Page 5

EX-STRIKERS SEEK AWARD.

POSITION INTERESTING, (By TolSSjrftph.—Mess Association,) 1 Auckland, March. 27. The Arbitratiott Court was crowded with interested wate-rsiders tin's morning when ftn. application for an award was wade by the Cafgo Workers® Union. This union, was formed principally of ex-strikers who were -refused admission to tlic Mow Arhltrationist Union of Watersiders, Mr. Ciias. Gresve-noiy who appeared fertile employers, submitted that in the case of at least forty of the parties -cited the Court would have- -no jurisdiction at all, inasmuch as tho employers in question were already bowttd by an industrial agreement entered fate with the Watei'sido Workers' Union—another union than the applicant union. His Honour asked Mr. Way how he proposed to get over this difficulty. Mr. Wa.y: I will get- ever the- tliffieulfcy, sir, hy demonstrating ia tlve Court that this industrial agreement is invalid. Mr. Way went on to - ooj-itend that the agreement with tlio .employers fens not in accordance with tho tinicn's own rules*' Tho a.gjeeracnt had been entered into by a small mmorii y_ of tho members of tho union without -being submitted to or endorsed by tho •major-' ity of members at ii properly constituted meeting, and in accordance with the union's own rales. Ho submitted, in support of his contention, a detailed criticism of tho terms of agreements and several instances of previous nr.l-, inets of tho -Court which Ire suggested went to show that- the method of i caching the present agreement had been' irregular. , _ The Court, while reserving judgment on a. legal question as to whether Mr. Way was entitled k> impugn the validity of an agreeinctit entered into- by another body, decided to ta.ko evidence mi the facts to ascertain whither • lie could sustain Bis charge that tjio agreement had been entered into Contrary to .tli® rules of tlio union.