UNION DEREGISTERED

Grey River Argus, 17 March 1942, Page 5

UNION DEREGISTERED

Prosecution Decided On MINISTER OF LABOUR’S CALL FOR RESUMPTION OF WORK [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 16. “As the result of the action of the workers both at the Westfield works and at Hellaby’s, I have to-day cancelled the registration of the Auckland Abattoir Assistants’ and United Freezing Works Employees’ Union of Workers in respect of the works concerned in the stoppage,” said Hom P. C. Webb to-night. “This • means that the award applying to the workers in these works is also cancelled. Proceedings will also be taken against the workers at Westfield who were responsible for. and who have taken part in, the stoppage to-day.” The Minister prefaced this announcement with the following states ment: “While the nation is at war, fighting for its very existence against the most unscrupulous foes that ever took up arms, a body of irresponsible industrial wreckers have created a war in the trenches on the industrial front. Every ounce of our energy will be needed to make certain of victory, and, whilst our soldiers, by thousands, are giving up home life and comforts, and facing death and sickness; a few people have taken the law into their own hands to do the work of the enemy by holding up supplies.

“These men have issued a' direct challenge to the Government. Their action is treasonable, and it will do treated as such. They have sacrificed every principle of industrial unionism. They have ignored their obligations under the law that gives them protection and preference to unionists; and they have attempted to stab the country in the back during its graat hour of trial.. “They do not seem to realise that, if this country suffered the same fate that many other countries in Europe and in the. Pacific have suffered under Nazism, all of* their privileges and all of the employers' money too, would be of no avail. They would be brushed overboard in a night! This is no time to have a ■division in our own ranks, whether they be employers / capitalists or Workers. We must face the enemy with a united front! Everything is in the melting-pot at this moment. Freedom that has taken hundreds of years to establish could be ended if the Axis Powers triumphed; and. if this country were invaded to-mor-row, there would be no stop-work meetings to discuss how we could best beat off the enemy. The people, as a whole, irrespective of their class or position, would march, together in the face of the common danger. “S'o I appeal earnestly, to the men and women of the industry immediately to resume work. Those men who are responsible for the present situation may find it difficult toget further work in the industry. They would_ be better employed in an industry not directly affecting our war effort. We cannot wish our way to victory! We can only work and fight our way there, and any action that holds up production during the war is helping the enemy, and this. I know, the men and women of Westfield would not conscientiously do.”

f However,” the Minister continued, “as a result of the action of the works, both at the Westfield works and at Hellaby’s I.have taken the steps outlined above.” He added in conclusion; “My final appeal to the workers is to remain loyal to their country and to unionism, and to return to work and speed up production; and, if they have anv grievances, let them be dealt with constitut;onally in keeping with their awards.”