DISPUTE ON WATERFRONT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 17 August 1940, Page 6

DISPUTE ON WATERFRONT

SEVENTY MEN DISMISSED REFUSED TO CONTINUE TO WORK VESSEL [United Press Association] AUCKLAND, 16th August. Seventy waterside workers were dismissed this afternoon by authority of the Auckland Waterfront Controller Captain Stanich, when they refused to continue unloading the Union Company’s motor-ship Waiana with the use of cranes, after they had been engaged to work with the ship’s gear. Six gangs which were working aft were not involved in the dispute. , Work began with the ship’s gear shortly after the Waiana arrived from Wellington early this afternoon, but when the cranes were required to unload several motor-cars on the ship the men maintaining that they had been engaged to work with the ship’s gear, refused to continue. Captain Stanich was advised of the position, and decided to dismiss the men. The two gangs aft continued to work with the cranes. The men dismissed will be {replaced to-morrow morning, when there will be a call for labour. It was too early to say what penalties the men would incur by their attitude, said Captain Stanich. but the position would be reviewed, and it was likely that some penalty would be imposed. He had made a report on the matter to the Waterfront Commission. which took a serious view of such matters, and had the machinery available to settle such disputes.