Waterfront Orders Operate On Monday

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1947, Page 6

Waterfront Orders Operate On Monday

(Special.) AUCKLAND. This Day. Issued to carry out the terms of settlement between the Government and the Waterside Workers' Union, two orders released this week by the Dominion Waterfront Industry Commissioner (Mr A. E. Bockett) will bo enforced at all main ports and the majority of secondary ports on Monday.

Chief provisions of the orders, which will be financed by an additional annual levy on employers of £109,000, are a guaranteed minimum daily wage of C/11, a guaranteed minimum weekly wage of £5 and the abolition of engagement of labour on Salurdavs. HOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT

“A major step is being made toward the decasualisation of the industry and in giving more protection to workers,” said Mr Bockett.

“It is hoped that the workers will appreciate the benefits they have gained and will in return do all in their power to expedite the despatch of ships, particularly overseas vessels carrying foodstuffs to cur kinsfolk in the United Kingdom.” Two meetings of the Auckland Port Committee were held this week to settle administrative details of the orders. The daily and weekly minimum payments offered difficulties chiefly of a technical nature and mainly concerned administration in the commission’s pay office. It has been agreed that workers on a ship which will continue handling cargo on Saturday must advise the employers at an early stage of the Friday morning call if they do not intend to accept Saturday morning work on the ship. Thik will enable labour t.c be engaged at, the normal call.