SHARP CLEAVAGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22240, 28 January 1947, Page 2

SHARP CLEAVAGE

UNIONJRANKS MODERATES AND “LEFT” DUNEDIN TRAMWAYMEN (P.A.) DUNEDIN, Jan. 27. A sharp cleavage between elements describing ihcmselves as "moderates” and ’progressives” occurred at the annual meeting of the Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Tramways Union yesterday following the presentation of the executive’s report by the president. Mr W. B. Richards.

Discussing the question of a Dominion award. Mr Richards said that if the assessors were faced with the possibility of going to the Conciliation Council and the Arbitration Court and meeting with a rebuff what was the ui ion to do?

The only thing it could do would be to de-register under the Industrial Conciliation Arbitration Act and reregister under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act. Then, he said, the union would have the right to strike. A plebiscite on- a Dominion award was carried by six to one and that on de-registration by five to one. The national council had not decided what course of action should be taken after 'he union had been de-registered. he continued, that would be determined by the union members themselves.

Speaking of local negotiations with the city transport committee, Mr Richards said: “I am hopeful that a good agreement will be concluded. “You Will Have to Fight”

“I am hopeful for the benefit of the Dunedin Citv Council, because after being in Wellington last week I am certain that there is an up-surge in the country as the workers are not satisfied with their hourly rates of pay or their weekly income under the 40-hour week. Now that overtime has ceased the workers realise that it is impossible to live on the hourly rate under the 40-hour week.

“The upsurge in New Zealand, as in Australia, appeared to have been initiated more in the transport industry than in any other, but that did not mean it did not exist in other industries as well.” Mr Richards added. “It may not be long before the Tramways Union is put in a position of seeking assistance from the Transport Workers' Federation. “You will have to fight to get what you want because you are not in such a favourable position as the watersiders and seamen, but I am satisfied that the first group which will offer you assistance is the Waterside Workers’ Union. Your fight will be its fight.”

“Where itas Government Got?”

Challenging the chairman’s attitude, Mr C. A. Stiglish said: You have put a good speech for the Left. You stand for militant unionism. I stand for sane unionism. Where has your militancy got to to-day? Where has your Labour Government got? If there had been an election this week it would have gone nut.” “There is only one way to settle a dispute. That is to get round the conference table. I do not believe in. your fight tactics. I reckon that there is a strong body of opinion in the tramsheds against direct action and those tactics

“Where have your strikes put .your Labour Government?” Mr Stiglish asked “We know to-day we have got good money and good conditions. The position can be improved, but I do not think they will be improved by your tactics, which will end in your Labour Government going out.” After further discussion, the executive’s report was adopted, the chairman describing the motion as one of confidence in the executive's policy in the last 12 months.