MILLERTON MINT DISPUTE.

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1930, Page 3

MILLERTON MINT DISPUTE.

(To the. Editor). Sirj.—Would you allow me sufficient space to make a reply to certain mis * leading statements made by a MillertOn correspondent in last Satur* lay’s Argus. In reference to the recent dispute here, he writes that at a meeting held here previous to the general meeting, therie was a feeling that a. worker had been dismissed, which intimation could -easily be construed that it was a ease of victimistv tt-on. lie then goes, on to write that the Management intimated such was not the position, and t-he worker concerned would' be re-employed if he| had a personal interview with the manager. Well, Mr Editoir. I have nol intentions of trying to convince the Millei|ton correspondent as to whether it was a victimisation case-, but 1 would Ike the readers of this article! to judge for them*-elves as -hey may have been influenced to think that wo were idle through a misunderstanding. At a meeting held here, Ji resolution was put on the books to th.- effect that this Union send a deputation to interview the Management wi.ih a view to the sharing of work and, that failing a settlement, we J stop work. The outcome of this was that the boss refused to share the| wot|k with the men on the fire-area.l and' four of them intimate-1 that theyt could leave the job until such time as| the work would be shared, w*-hich| they did. thereby adhering to the re-| solution on the books. This happened! c.n Wednesday, and the following day the four men turned out to work.} after being told by the- Union. Three I were allowed to start, but the fourth! wa.s picked out, and told to interview, tin? »ieneral Manager in regard tol getting h.is employment back. This the worker refused to do, and was’ backed up by his Union by a large majority, who instructed him to go to' work the following day, and that- if he was sent home, we all would come home with him. Tao ivsult was that: the boss to’d the worker he wa.s definitely finished, and all the men adjourned t<> a special meeting in the hall, where it was derided by a three to one majority, that this Union . teaiiirni its present decision andi .'•land bv our comrade. After a fortnight had clap.-ed the Union officials were instructed by tyiie rank and file to interview the be s in regard to .1 settlement, the latter in the mean time having turned a somersault and; altered the- dismissal ca<-- to one with/ a personal interview with him. The deputation report! <1 back to the meet-1 in.r and it decided that the worker iir company with tMie offie-als interview tie* Manager. These few words go to prove, that had the Union not taken, direct action in the fir t place. our' comrade would have been tramping the high roads by now, looking i'or a, master.. Thanking you for this space. — 1 am etc., Wm. CLOSS, Millerton.