“F.O.L. NOT COMPETING WITH THE T.U.C.”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23366, 23 September 1950, Page 8

“F.O.L. NOT COMPETING WITH THE T.U.C.”

(P.A.)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 22,

“The Federation of Labour is not competing with Mr. Grant (secretary of the T.U.C.) or anyone else for the formula which brought aboul the settlement of the waterfront stoppage.” said the secretary of the Federation of Labour, Mr. K McL. Baxter, today.

“The workers of the Dominion have yet to learn what the watersiders have gained. So far it is clear that the carbon black issue has yet to be settled. The watersiders have been given a Royal Commission with a sweeping order of reference, which Mr. Barnes says he has not yet seen and with the personnel of which he cannot approve.

“The Federation of Labour has taken a prominent part in a number of negotiations resulting in practical advantage to the workers and has helped to save the face of Mr. Barnes and Mr. Hill on several occasions. Our oiler of assistance on this occasion was rejected.

“Mr. Barnes and Mr. Hill can rest assured that we will not be making approaches through the T.U.C. to any union,” said Mr. Baxter. “The T.U.C. comprises a small number of delegates who broke away from the Federation of Labour. They claim to represent 20.000 workers. The New Zealand Federation of Labour represents over 200,000 workers,” concluded Mr. Baxter.