STOP-WORK MEETS OF DRIVERS’ UNION NOT SCHEDULED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22819, 14 December 1948, Page 6

STOP-WORK MEETS OF DRIVERS’ UNION NOT SCHEDULED

Conflicting reports concerning proposed action by the New Zealand Drivers’ Federation to institute stopwork meetings in all parts of the Dominion, to discuss various aspects of the claims now before the conciliation authorities, have aroused keen concern among employers and employees in the Gisborne district.

A Press Association message published in the Herald on Friday indicated that an adjournment of the conciliation proceedings having been taken, the New Zealand executive of the drivers’ organisation had decided to meet to consider further action, and that stopwork meetings of drivers had been recommended.

The Auckland Star published on the same day, also under a Press Association line, an announcement that stopwork meetings had been directed, and were to take place on Wednesday next, December 15.

Conflicting Reports

Commenting on these conflicting reports yesterday. Mr J. Mastrovich, secretary of the Gisborne Drivers’ Union, stated that the normal procedure would be for the New Zealand Federation executive to meet and among other things consider the recommendation for stop-work meetings of district unions. It appeared from the Press Association report published in the Herald that the meeting of the Federation had been called for Wednesday next; and it was obvious that no district reactions would take place until after the national federation had reached a decision. Mr. Mastrovich stated that employers and employees alike, in this district, could ignore the statement that stop-work meetings would be held on Wednesday.

In the event of the national executive deciding that stop-work meetings were advisable, added Mr. Mastrovich. the Gisborne Drivers’ Union would comply with directions from headquarters. He felt that too much concern need not be felt as to the effect upon the transport industry of the stoppages thus caused, as the business of the meetings should be completed in short order. Gisborne drivers would be invited to a meeting in town, and coast members of the union would be invited to their various centres. He thought there would be no necessity to bring coast drivers to Gisborne, as this would entail a serious stoppage of transport traffic.