"SUSPENDED"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 100, 30 April 1945, Page 3

"SUSPENDED"

TWO MAN-POWER " ORDERS

STATEMENT BY MINISTER P.A. AUCKLAND, April. 29.' The action of .the Minister or Manpower (Mr. McLagan) and the Acting, Minister of Labour (Mr. O'Brien) in, agreeing to the suspension of directionorders in respect of two Auckland gas, workers in order to tetminate a strike at the gasworks after an appeal committee had upheld the directions is believed to be without precedent in Auckland, and probably throughput New Zealand. It aroused adverse comment during the weekend. " t , Mr. O'Brien said on- Saturday that the terms of settlement of the strike were suggested in the first place by the representatives < of 'the Aucklantt Trades Council. The terms were (1)' that the men return to work; (2) that the Trades Council make' representations to' the Minister that the manpower directions of the two men whose case was in dispute be suspended in the meantime; (3) ,that a committee be set up to endeavour to put the gas industry in Auckland on a better footing; (4) that in future • any disputes arising at the works be handled onlthe men's behalf by the Auckland Trades Council. .._._.

Mr. O'Brien emphasised that the direction orders against the two men had not been; cancelled but suspended. The.matter. was still subject to investigation. : ;.'-.■•■

"The Trades Council representatives asked meif I could, suspend the directions of the two men concerned,"'said Mr. O'Brien'. "I got into, touch.with. the Minister of Man-power in fellington, and. he agreed to the suspension of the directions." ■■

It was.suggested,to,Mr..O'Brien that if the directions ofi the ;two men could be suspended . after their ; appeals had been dismissed by the appeal committee, other unsuccessful appellants would have a similar .right "No, I would not say -that,I.', he replied. "Of course in similar circumstances I would agree with that.: If there is a" case of victimisation, the person would be entitled to make representations: The Government will not allow "victimisation. Allegations which did not come before the appeal, committee have arisen since the hearing. The-men are alleging victimisation and we will have the matter inquired into.", -.'"""^ After being oh strike since-ribon on i Thursday, retort-house workers at the [Auckland gasworks resumed at noon on Saturday. It is expected that a limited supply of gas will be available for household needs on"'Monday, sibly in time for breakfast: .'

The manager of the.gas company, Mr. R. Worley, states that gas will not be available for.industrial purposes on Monday ' unless users are' notified during the weekend; and at present the possibility of this service being resumed seems remote.'