WESTFIELD DISPUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 43, 20 January 1942, Page 2

WESTFIELD DISPUTE

TRANSPORT DIFFICULTIES. THREAT BY UNION. (Press Assn.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 19. Dissatisfaction with the' transport facilities between the city and Westfield freezing works was expressed and a decision to make further representalious reached at a meeting ot workers’ delegates comprising the uoard of control. It, was stated that in the event of facilities not being improved, the workers would have no alternative but to give notice of their intention to cease work daily at an earlier hour, to enable them to reach their homes at a reasonable time in the evening.

Following the stoppage of slaughtering at noon last Ttiursuay as a protest against an inadequate bus seryice, the restoration of the former petrol allowances to tlie Passenger Transport Coy., Ltd., was authorised. iLhis enabled the company to put an additional four buses on the morning and evening runs wiien the peak traiuc is handled. 'The workers concerned in the stoppage resumed work on Friday and it was believed that the difficulties had been completely overcome, in a statement to-night, the president of the works branch of the union (.\lr R. Barry) said the question of transport was reviewed at the board ol control meeting at the works in the alternoon. Representations had been repeatedly made to the authorities concerning adequate travelling facilities for workers in the whole 01 the W estfield industrial district. He stated that in the freezing works alone there were about 1700 employees and also large numbers in neighbouring works. A eonsideratile number resided in the city and distant suburbs and were dependent upon the rail and bus services. The reduced petrol allowances to the bus company and the cancellation ot licenses for workers’ motor cars had created a chaotic condition and there had been distressing scenes in the vicinity of the works at nights as the workers scrambled for buses. Representations had been made to the bus company which stated it was unable to improve the service as it had insufficient buses. The workers also put the position before the No. 1 Licensing Authority (Mr E. J. Phelan) and their ease had been presented to the Commissioner of Transport. The workers were prepared to use the train services, but they were unsuitable and suggestions that adjustments be made to make them useable had not been successful. It was understood the Railway Department had surplus buses which had been withdrawn from road services and were now standing idle in Auckland. It had been suggested that these be put into commission on the Auckland-W'estfield service.

' The board of control had decided that unless a better transport service was made available and notwithstanding the fact that the workers had already been told they would be prosecuted for stopping work last Thursday, the employees would have no alternative but to notify the authorities of their intentidn to work shorter hours, stated Mr Barry. The workers considered they were entitled to get home at a reasonable hour after their day’s work and failing adequate facilities, they could only accomplish that by knocking off work earlier. The board of control did not suggest this decision would be immediately rushed into operation and it was not a threat or ultimatum. Further representations were to be made and in addition to requesting the Auckland Trades Council of the new Federation of Labour to support the workers’ requests, it had been decided to send a deputation to Wellington to meet the Ministers of Transport and Lalmur if necessary. The workers felt that their position had not been fully appreciated by the Minister concerned or the public.