Work Resumed On Wellington Wharves

Northern Advocate, 23 March 1939, Page 7

Work Resumed On Wellington Wharves

[Per Press , Association Copyright ,] WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

At the meeting of members of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Waterside Workers’ Union this morning, as the result of which normal work was resumed on the wharves in the afternoon, it was decided that officials of the New Zealand Union should open negotiations with the employers immediately for a new agreement, the present award having expired last July. A resolution expressing full confidence in the Prime Minister and the Government was also carried.

At a mass meeting in the union waiting room at 12.45 p.m. the men were told that the suspension penalties imposed on those who had been dismissed would be waived by the control board of the Waterside Labour Bureau.

Port Congested.

There were 13 overseas liners and a large number of coastal vessels with cargo to discharge and load today.

Few of them have definite sailing dates, and most of the large ships will be considerably behind schedule by the time they get away from here. The port is badly congested, and this is likely to have serious consequences all over New Zealand. Storage space in many ports is likely to be taxed, and the programme for the arrival of produce at Home will be upset. Negotiations For New Agreement As far as he was aware work was being carried on satisfactorily on the waterfront, said Mr W. Bennett, secretary of the New Zealand Waterside Employers’ Association today. Asked if the supply of labour was equal to requirements he said no ships were held up. though some were short manned. A shortage of labour was natural in the circumstances and probably would continue for a day or two.

A number of non-union workers are again engaged today. Regarding negotiations for a new Dominion agreement for watersiders, Mr Bennett said an application for a hearing of the dispute was already before the Court, and could not be withdrawn without the consent of both parties. Tire employers Were of the opinion that the Court was the proper and legal body for the interpretation and making of awards.

Appreciation and thanks were expressed to Mr. A. J. Magee at the Whangarei Hockey Association’s annual meeting last night for his services as selector in the past, and for the good hints he had given players.