WHARF LABOUR TROUBLES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2615, 10 November 1915, Page 6

WHARF LABOUR TROUBLES

THE PHYSA'S OIL CARGO.

' Ail unfortunate _ misunderstanding appears to have arisen in connection with the dispute concerning _ the discharge of the Bhysa's case-oil at Wellington. Mr. AV. Bennett, manager of the AVellington Co-operativo Waterside Labour Employment Association told a representative of this paper last evening that he was under the impression that when the inspector of awards decided to arbitrate in the dispute between tho stevedores (Messrs. Gannaway and Co.) and the men, the latter hacl a consultation with officials of their uuion. From inquiries made yesterday it appears that although the men had 'consulted certain members of the executive of tho union the latter body had refused to abido by the agreement, and had given it out as thoir reason that tho uuion had not been consulted as a whole. It has been contended by the Employment Association that if the question has to be put te a meeting of tho union a fortnight will elapse, and long before that time tho vessel will be discharged at tho rate of 2s. per hour.

Case-oil comes under tho heading of "Matters not provided for" in tho agreement between the employers and tho Wellington Watersido Workers' Union. Clause 26 of that agreement states that. "Any dispute in connection with any, matter not provided for in this agreement shall be settled between t\ho particular employer concerned and the secretary, or president, of tho nnion, and in default of any agreement being arrived at then such dispute shall bo referred to tho local Inspector of Awards, who may decide tho same or refer the matter to the Court (Arbitration Court). Either party dissatisfied with the decision of tho inspector of Awards may appeal to the Court upon giving written notice, ctc., etc." When Messrs. Gamiaway and Co., through the Employers' Association, decided to refer the whole question to the Inspector of Awards, the firm was under the impression that tho union was a party to tho dispute, tho Inspector of Awards, it is alleged, having said that such was tho case. When lie gave his decision in favour of the men receiving 2s. per liour, the employers abided by it, and tho ship was enabled to discharge all day yesterday. It is stated that tho matter has not been iinished with as yot, aud further dojfeJaaia?ftts m Effidtfs.. _ - =.