Estimated Half Of 1500 Dismissed Back In Work In Same Area

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22916, 7 April 1949, Page 6

Estimated Half Of 1500 Dismissed Back In Work In Same Area

(P.A.) AUCKLAND. April 6. Of a total of just over 1500 carpenters dismissed from their employment on February 17 between 700 and 800 had returned to work up to the Monday following the de-registration of the Auckland section of. the Carpenters’ Union.

This estimate was given by the secretary of the Auckland Master Builders’ Association, Mr. M. F. Bunker. He said his estimate had been derived from information supplied by members at a meeting of the association on Monday night, together with returns compiled by the association. The total was well in excess of the 495 men who had voted against returning to work at Carlaw Park on March 19 and of the 500 or 600 who made a similar decision on March 29.

Reports that a feW more men had resumed had been received today. Attempts were being made to induce other unionists in related trades not to work alongside carpenters who had returned to their jobs against the wishes of the de-registered union, added Mr. Bunker. Effect on Allied Trades As only about half of the carpenters were back there might soon be insufficient work to keep men in allied trades fully employed. Plasterers, bricklayers, tilers, electricians, v plumbers and painters were all likely to be affected to a greater or lesser degree. Paradoxically joiners who had returned after being involved in the dispute might also be endangered. Builders again reported that officials of the de-registered union were encouraging carpenters to leave their employment for fear of being “black-listed.” An employer engaged on State house work at Mount Roskill said he was likely to lose all of his 12 employees in the next day or two as a result of these tactics. Another six who had reported with the intention of starting work again had been induced to leave by pickets. “We had to give notice to our truck drivers tonight.’’ added the employer. “In the next day or two we will have to give notice to our labourers.”