TIMBER WORKERS’ UNION

Grey River Argus, 24 November 1942, Page 4

TIMBER WORKERS’ UNION

Westland Branch ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annual meeting of the Westland branch of the N.Z. Timber workers’ Union was held at Ruatapu on Saturday last, Mr B. Topp (president) presiding. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read ana doptedt also the minutes of the executive meetings since the Fast annual meeting. The following officers were elected unopposed:— President: Mr B. Topp. Vice-President: Mr T. O’Brien. Secretary-Treasurer: Mr F. Turley. Otira Line District Committee: Messrs R. Rutter and F. Rowse. Buller District Committee: Messrs W. Lamberton and H. Campbell.

' Hokitika District Committee: Messrs J. Holmes and C. Elley. Trustees: Messrs G. Harwood ana E. Barrow. It was decided to re-appoint an of the old members to the V7>est Coast Trades Council of the Federation of Labour (with the exception of Mr J. Doyle who has left the industry), namely Messrs Harwood, Elley and Robinson, who will officiate in the event of the Council’' charter being returned. The following delegates were elected to the Westland L.R.C.: Messrs C. Elley, T. Dowling, H. Campbell, B. Topp, T. O’Brien and W. Lawrence Mr F. Turley was elected as branch delegate to the Council of the National Union, in place of Mr J. Doyle Messrs Turley and Elley were elected as delegates to the annual conference of the National Union. Mr E. Souter was re-elected as auditor.

BRANCH EXECUTIVE The secretary reports as follows: The executive met on November 17, a Large amount of business then dealt with being finally endorsed at the annual meeting. The question of the six-day week was fully discussed, also the war regulations, the meeting endorsing the calling of a special conference of the Union on December 2 in Wellington to discuss these matters. A recommendation was made that unless some redress were affected, this branch strongly recommended that direct action be taken as members were very dissatisfied with the enforcement of some of the regulations. This Union is demanding an cieven-shift fortnight, in lieu of a full six-day week. The matter of three weeks being allowed to make up time lost is responsible for a large amount of discontent in the industry, this Union considering that one week is quite sufficient for this make-up of time, .it being a concession that is very rare in New Zealand, the timber workers being worse off in this respect than any other workers. It was decided to write the Prime Minister for an increase in the rations of tea, sugar and working clothes for men in this industry. The question of distribution of cycle tyres as one that is very seriously affecting the industry, was discussed, and the secretary, was instructed to write the Prime Minister on the matter. The question of fines being imposed' on workers in this industry by the Manpower Officer because of the loss of a day or two of work is one that is causing discontent, it being considered that with different treatment being meted out to other industries, it is hard to understand why men in this industry who have given a wonderful war effort, should be treated in the manner they have been, and when . other large industries occupy almost the full time of certain Ministers of the Crown in adjusting disputes. It is true that the timber industry is’ one that does not often use direct action methods, but a stage is being fast reached in this industry, in the opinion of the Union when direct action appears to be the only method whereby workers can get' redress of grievances, and this is the considered opinion of the officers of the Union.