The Dominion. MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1039. ANOTHER WATERFRONT HOLDUP

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 149, 20 March 1939, Page 8

The Dominion. MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1039. ANOTHER WATERFRONT HOLDUP

» ' It is regrettable that, so soon after the conference on waterside work had apparently established a better understanding, there should have developed on the Wellington waterfront a go-slow movement described as one of the most serious in the history of the port. Disciplinary action has been necessary, the loading of important overseas shipments has been interrupted, and the general working of the port disorganized. Local as well as overseas shipping has been affected, causing serious inconvenience and piling up losses. It is quite evident from the attitude of the workers that whatever system may be evolved by the waterfront transport boards to be set up tinder the agreement reached by the. recent conference, the prospect of future immunity from stoppages is by no means encouraging. After all that was said at that conference it is extremely disheartening to have such a poor response to the sentiments expressed, and it is hardly surprising that the Minister of Labour should have been moved to declare that the Government is positively disgusted” with what has now happened. Mr. Webb’s very frank and downright censure is quite justified. He has been making commendable attempts throughout the country to create a better spirit of harmony and co-.operation in industry, and his initiative in promoting the recent discussions on waterfront labour deserved a better response from those who stood to benefit by his action. But it is not only that the Minister has seen his efforts largely wasted by the men’s repudiation of the principle laid down that disputes should not be allowed to interfere with the working of the ports. Their action is a challenge to authority that no Government could pass without public censure, and we are very glad to see that Mr. Webb fully realizes its implications.

If (ho declares) there are people who imagine that they are a power superior to the Government, they are mistaken. Our overseas trade must be carried on unhampered by “holdups, and any trade unionist who retards the regular flow of trade overseas is acting against the best interests of the Government, the country, and particularly, agdinsf his own industrial organization. That is the whole case in a nutshell. This defiance of authority is in its effects, which are widespread, a most serious matter for the country. Incidentally, it interferes with, the Government’s own marketing economy. On all points there is a cleat demand foi strong action, and we hope the Government will deal with the matter in the spirit-of Mr. Webb’s remarks. It may even be necessary in the light of this latest development to review the scheme adopted by the recent conference and consider a .more effective alternative. The welfare of the country cannot be prejudiced by the whims of a section of recalcitrant'trouble-makers. There must be a clear understanding that whatever may happen in the way of disputes between employers and workers on the waterfront there should be no interruption to the discharge and loading of shipping. The machinery provided for the discussion and settlement of disputes enables this to be done, and should cover all contingencies. There is not the slightest need for the go-slow tactics and holdups that have made New Zealand ports probably the .most expensive and cargo-handling the most dilatory in the world, those who are responsible for these happenings have nothing to gain by their action. On the contrary, they have to share in losses sustained by the general community by tactics which in their effects are antisocial.