OUT ON STRIKE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 15 April 1944, Page 5

OUT ON STRIKE

AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY RETORT WORKERS Auckland, April 14. Following a meeting at the Auckland Gas Company’s works this afternoon a section of emplo3'ees comprising retort house workers and fire cleaners declared that they would not continue their work and they walked off the job. Apart from a few other employees, thci-p men were the only workers at the meeting. The first indication of trouble among the men came during the afternoon when some of the employees protested against a decision given by the company in connection with the agreement which came into operation in 1942. Under that agreement retort house workers had undertaken to charge extra retorts for extra payment, but it was now found that with additional gas-making facilities those extra retorts were no longer required. The company served the necessary week’s notice on the men to this effect, and advised them that the extra payment of 4s a shift would be discontinued. When it was found that the men took strong exception to the removal of the 4s bonus, they were addressed by the deputy supervisor of the gas works production scheme. Mr W. A. Leggett, the manager of the company. Mr R. Worley, and the national delegate to the Federation of Labour from the Auckland Trades Council. Mr R. Stanley. The reason for the removal of the special payment was fully explained to the men, but they refused to accept it and the spokesman of the workers concerned stated that unless the bonus continued they would not work. They then walked off the job. To-night the retort house was manned by a skeleton staff, which would not be sufficient for daytime requirements. It was stated that it was expected that sufficient staff would be forthcoming to-morrow to meet normal requirements. “This development is very disappointing but does not have the backing of either the Gas Workers’ Union or the Trades’ Council,” s aid Mr Leggett. "It is consequently a matter which I feel sure the union will deal with effectively.” The secretary of the union. Mr A. Bell, has convened a meeting of all members of his union to be held on Sunday morning at the gasworks. “As there is a considerable quantity of gas in reserve it is expected that the supply to consumers will not be affected before the meeting is held.” said Mr Leggett. “I have full confidence in the union to deal with the matter, and I feel that as a result of the meeting difficulties will be straightened out.” "The union executive is not a party to this stoppage and does not support it,” said Mr Bell. "It regards the men’s action as unconstitutional and harmful to the progress that was being made through the Production Council.—P.A.