WATERSIDE BUREAU

Grey River Argus, 14 August 1937, Page 9

WATERSIDE BUREAU

DELAY AT WELLINGTON Workers Demand a Start [Per Press Association], WELLINGTON, August 13. There is a possibility of trouble on the Wellington waterfront next week. It is stated that, at a stopwork meeting of members of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union on Wednesday, a resolution was passed that, unless the Bureau System of engaging and employing waterside labour is put into operation forthwith, the Union members would decline to respond to calls as from next Wednesday morning. It is understood that this decision will not affect any ships that already are working with waterside labour engaged prior to that day, but as ships finish on, or after, Wednesday next, the men will be bound not to accept further calls. The organisation of the Waterside Labour Bureau was completed at Wellington and Auckland some weeks ago, and the system was to have been inaugurated last month. The shipping companies, it is stated, however, have declined to put the system into operation until the carrying on of work in a proper and workmanlike manner is 'guaranteed by the Union. It is understood that the position was discussed at a meeting of the representatives of the shipping companies to-day, and that representations were made to the Government.