AUCKLAND WATERSIDERS

Grey River Argus, 13 March 1940, Page 8

AUCKLAND WATERSIDERS

CONTROLLER SUCCESSFUL Great Ovation by Men [Per Press Association]. AUCKLAND, March 12. Stating that they were employed by the Government, and not by shipowners and stevedors, members of the Auckland Waterside Workers Union decided, to-day, to return co normal work at 8 o’clock to-morrow morning. The decision was practically unanimous. “Our ends have been achieved, and there is no longer a dispute,” said a union official, after the meeting. “There is no bar to our return to work immediately.” , The meeting started at S o c.ocK and lasted for three hours. The attendance was large. Controller Price spoke for an hour and 20 minutes, stating it was his in tention to open the port to-morrow, whether the union worked or- not. A call would be made for union labour, and if this was not forthcoming, his instructions from the Government were to have all jobs manned. Mr Price said he was prepared to answer questions relating to his control of waterfront labour. He was questioned at considerable length and his answers gave general satisfaction. Before his withdrawal, he was given a remarkable ovation, and roundly cheered, with musical honours.

The Union discussed lengthily its proposed action, and resolved, with only a few dissentients, “that we return to work at 8 o’clock to-morrow, pending a settlement, and that the delegates return to Wellington and confer with the National Executive of the Union, in the framing of an award, this action being on the lines adopted by the Wellington branch of the Union.”

It is explained that the three delegates who went to Wellington on Saturday were present to-day. They will return to Wellington, probably to-morrow, to continue negotiations with the national body. An indication was given unofficially that there is a likelihood of the award being made within three weeks.

Explaining the changed attitude of the men, the Press Committee pointed out that various shipping companies and stevedores were no longei' employers. The men are now employees of the Government, and there was no further ground for quarrel. After the meeting Mr Price said the men’s present grievances and complaints would receive early consideration. Regarding the future of the Waterfront Labour Bureau, Mr Price said that together with the existing pay office, it would continue to function under his direction, ending re-organisation.

Questioned about the future functions of the stevedores, Captain R, S. Lewis, Chairman of the Stevedores' Association, said that although he had not yet conferred with Mr Price, it was his opinion that the same ’organisations, as at present, would continue, in order to assist Mr Price. He hoped for an early conference with Mr Price.