AUCKLAND CARPENTERS REGISTER FOR UNEMPLOYED BENEFIT

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1949, Page 3

AUCKLAND CARPENTERS REGISTER FOR UNEMPLOYED BENEFIT

AUCKLAND, February 22.

Hundreds of carpenters, on their third workless day, swarmed to the third floor of the Social Security Department’s building to-day and registered for unemployment benefits. Eight harassed clerks worked rapidly taking the applications. This followed a mass meeting at the Town Hall and a march by 1000 workers through the city to Albert Park. Voices were raised in song by the orderly marchers, but not lusty ones. The unionists carried a large banner at the head of the procession and placards at intervals worded, "Sacked". "Fired", "Dumped", "Wiped”, and “Never were so many robbed by so few”. The men heard addresses at Albert Park, carried solidarity resolutions, and dispersed towards the Social Security buildings. It seems improbable that the applicants will obtain a social security benefit. Instructions will be awaited from Wellington. SUPPORT OF UNIONS

Executives of building unions, as well as representatives of the Waterside Workers’ and Drivers’ Unions, met at mid-day yesterday to discuss the building dispute. The executives represented the Painters’, Plumbers’, Gasfitters’, Labourers’, Brickworkers’, Electricians’, and Roof Tilers’ Unions. It was decided unanimously that, having heard the Carpenters’ Union dispute outlined by Mr Stanley, the executives were of the opinion that the executives’ unionists should be recommended. that the fullest support be given to the Carpenters’ Union. It was further agreed that, to obtain the full endorsement of members, the representatives considered that a mass stop-work meeting should be held in Carlaw Park at 8 a.m. on Wednesday week. This recommendation will be put to the unions in the next few days. It is reported that the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Carpenters’ Union has raised £450 by a £1 levy on members for the “lock-out” fund for the Auckland carpenters. The Auckland dispute will be discussed at a mass meeting of carpenters and joiners in Wellington and the Hutt Valley in the Trades Hall to-morrow evening, when the national secretary, Mr Roy Stanley, will address the gathering.