WORKERS AT ARAPUNI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19677, 1 July 1927, Page 12

WORKERS AT ARAPUNI.

DIFFERENCES IN RANKS.

AGREEMENT NOT REACHED.

ANOTHER CONFERENCE TO-DAY.

[by telegraph.—OWN corbespondent.3 HAMILTON, Thursday.

The recent proposal of " the Arapuni workers to break away from the New Zealand Workers' Union was discussed at a conference at Arapuni to-day; Mr. P. Hally, Conciliation Commissioner for the North Island, presided. In addition to the representatives of the local union, Mr. A. J. Cook, secretary of the New Zealand Workers' Union, and Mr. J. B. Williams, organiser, were present. No agreement was reached to-day, and a further conference will be held to-morrow.

There are at present two factions working behind the men on the job. Thi president of the local union, Mr. J. Kelly, as the chief mover on one side, favours secession from the parent body, the New Zealand Workers' Union. A resolution to this effect was passed at a mass meeting of the men on Sunday. However, a petition has been circulated during the last few days, advocating continued affiliation with the New Zealand Workers' Union. It is stated that about I£o signatures have been appended to the petition. The movement toward continuing with the union is headed by Mr. T. Byers, the vice-president of the local branch. It is for the purpose of bringing about a reconciliation between the two factions that the conference was held. One of the chief matters in dispute is the levy of £l, paid annually by local workers to headquarters at Wellington. As some of the workers merely stay for a week or two, they derive 110 benefit from the levy, which is deducted from the first pay. It is considered that the workers do not receive benefits commensurate with the large amount paid in levies.

"If no agreement is reached, there is every possibility of a further cessation of work," said Mr. Kelly this evening. "The local union considers that the company has broken faith with it. The company promised to recognise the local body when the strike was broken off, but it has not done St*. The New Zealand Workers' Union, which claims to be a militant one, is now endeavouring to put down the only really militant union on the job. We have the engineers and carpenters with us, and their representatives are working with our executive. "If the company, as it is suggested, is going to stop work to-morrow in order to allow Mr. Cook to address the workers, we shall arrange a counter-meeting." Pending the settling of the dispute between the workers, the engineers on the work are awaiting an opportunity to adjust differences with the company.' It is expected that there will be a conference to-morrow, and Mr. R. F. Barter, secretary of the Auckland Engineers' Onion, is at present at Arapuni. The chief matter iin dispute is the question of xiours.' The local engineers consider that they are called upon to put m more time than those engaged elsewhere.