WATERSIDE WORKERS' DISPUTE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 108, 7 May 1912, Page 2

WATERSIDE WORKERS' DISPUTE

OBJECTION TO AN AWARD. fBY TELEGRAPH — PHESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, 6th May. When the waterside workers' dispute was mentioned in the Arbitration Court to-day, Mr. Grosvenor, for the employers, asked that an award be made in terms of the findings of tho Conciliation Council. Mr. Smith appeared for tho Union Company and several other employers, who objected to an award. Mr. Way said the union objected to an award being forced upon it, as it had cancelled its registration under the Act. There was some dispute about the matter,, but the facts were that the date the representatives of masters and men were called together by the Commissioner of the Conciliation Council in a minor dispute was two days after the time in which objection ooukl be taken to cancollation Of tbe union's registration under the Act. His Honour the President asked why the employers wanted an award when the union objected. Was it desirable under the circumstances? Mr. Großveuorj We want some security. His Honour: Against what? Mr. Grosvenor : Against any attempt of the union. to strike or disregard the so-tailed agreement that has been entered jnto. Mr. Way : .With the big bulk of. employers there is already an agreement, and Mr. Grosyenor is dealing with only one small section. His Honour suggested that the employers should consider whether the application for an award should not be withdrawn. They would simply bind themselves if the award wero made, and in the event of a strike they woxild have to comply with the conditions, while perhaps other employers were paying less wages. Mr. Grosvenor asked for time to consult the employers he represented. The court intimated that the case would be called on again later. There is a case on the list in which the Waterside Workers' Union is alleged to have committed a breach of the Act when a recent ' strike took place^ and it was, agreed that this Should be heard on Monday next. ' ' v '