WATERSIDE UNREST

Evening Star, Issue 22326, 30 April 1936, Page 2

WATERSIDE UNREST

" IRRITATION TACTICS " ALLEGED DELAY OVER BASIC WAGE NEGOTIATIONS [Pee United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 29. During the last few days it has been reported that there have been signs of unrest among the waterside workers at Wellington and other ports, and that what are regarded as “ irritation tactics ” have been resorted to. The position appears to be that most of the watersiders want the restoration of the basic rate of pay to the 1929-30 level of 2s 4d an hour. It is understood that official negotiations have been proceeding for a conference to discuss the question, but apparently a section of the watersiders are showing their impatience and dissatisfaction in various ways. On Tuesday several ships, including the Monowai and Makura, were held up through the men refusing to work after 5 o’clock, and the Monowai, which was duo to sail on Tuesday night for Auckland, did not get away until 5 p.m. yesterday. No work was done on the Makura on Tuesday night, but she was worked last night, and is to sail for Sydney to-day. Other ships affected on Tuesday were the Coptic, the Kumara, and the City of Canberra.

Yesterday much delay was occasioned by rain in the morning, although it was said that work has been carried on in wetter weather at other times. It is declared that the tactics are in no way officially countenanced by the union.