RETURN TO WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22833, 14 September 1937, Page 10

RETURN TO WORK

WATERFRONT DISPUTE NON-UNIONISTS' DECISION NEGOTIATIONS PENDING A decision to return to work, pending negotiations, was reached b3' nonunionist waterside workers yesterday morning at a meeting to consider tho dispute on the Auckland waterfront created through tho displacement of 25 non-unionists by members of the Waterside Workers' Union on Friday. The negotiations will be held with the national executive of the Watersidors' Federation and representatives of the Shipowners' Association. The decision of the men to return to work followed an intimation made to them by representatives of the shipowners that under a clause of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act preference must be given to unionists when they are available and willing to work. A spokesman of tho non-unionists stated that officials of the union had been sympathetic and there was no quarrel with the union. The situation was created through the section of the Act which enforced preference to unionists. On the other hand, many of the nonunionists, including several former members of the union, contended that the position would be greatly relieved if the union increased its membership. It was claimed there were several hundred men capable of doing the work, with no blemish on their characters, who desired joining tho union, but they had been unsuccessful in their endeavours. The union was refusing them admission, in spite of the increased work in the port, which is demanding increased waterfront labour.

TROUBLE AT NAPIER THE ESSEX HELD UP MEN. CEASE LOADING [p.Y TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] NAPIER, Monday As a result of a decision of members of the Watersiders' Union at Port Ahuriri to-day, the loading of the overseas vessel Essex has been held up. A number of men were engaged on Saturday morning to undertake the loading of meat on the vessel. "Work was to commence this morning. After one lighter had been discharged into the Essex it was learned that the men expected payment to cover the time from when they were engaged on Saturday until Saturday afternoon. The shipping authorities objected to paying for hours that were not worked, and consequently the men decided to discontinue loading the vessel until the dispute is settled. The men were engaged on Saturday morning in order that they should be available for work first _ thing _ this morning, as it is sometimes difficult to ensure a sufficient number of men being on the job unless they have been selected beforehand.