GAS STRIKE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24869, 15 April 1944, Page 6

GAS STRIKE

SECTION OF WORKERS THE SUPPLY POSITION NO IMMEDIATE EFFECT Following a meeting at the Auckland Gas Company's works yesterday afternoon a section of the employees, comprising the 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, these men were the only ones 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 an agreement which came into operation in 1942. Under that agreement the retort-house workers had undertaken to charge extra retorts for extra payment, but it was now found that with the 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. A Skeleton Staff When it was found that the men took strong exception to the removal of the •Is bonus, they were addressed yesterday afternoon 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 the spokesmen of the workers concerned stated that unless the bonus continued they would not work. They then stopped work. The retort-house was manned last night by a skeleton staff, which would not be "sufficient for daytime requirements. It was stated that it was expected that sufficient staff would he forthcoming to-day to meet normal requirements. Settlement Expected

"This development is very disappointing, but it does not have the backing of either the Gas Workers' Union or the Trades Council," said Mr. Leggett when approached last night. "It is consequently a matter which.! 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 gas works. "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 the difficulties will bo straightened out." No Union Support

"The union executive is not a party to this stoppage and does not support it." said Mr. JJell. "It regards the men's action as unconstitutional and harmful to the progress that was being made through the production council. Since the council came into operation the improvements to the amenities and the increases in the ratjss of pay. together with the steady improvement in gas production, have put the men in a better position than they have been for many years._ My executive feels that a continuation of the stand taken by this section of the men can only result in a loss of some of- the benefits so far obtained. "As an instance, the present bonus of 3d an hour being paid to the workers under the production scheme could be lost by all of them if production dropped through the action of this one section." said "Mr. 8011. "This would mean that, the majority would be penalised by the minority." LONG-STANDING DISPUTE

COMMENT BY MANAGER "This is the same dispute as that I which occurred six months ago," said j the manager of the Auckland Gas Company, Mr. R. Worley, referring to the strike at the works. "The_ Government then set up a commission, presided over by a magistrate, which made j certain recommendations and adjustments to the award, which were not to be put into effect until alterations had been made at the works. These alterations have now been completed and the magistrate's decisions are being put into effect." Mr. Worley said the payment in dispute was made for extra work which was not now needed owing to the alterations made. "It amounts to this, that some of the men are trying to hold a pistol at the head of the company to have the extra payment retained," he added. "Some of the stokers are I reporting for duty, and the evidence indicates a few malcontents who think | they can run the works. Ihe company, the Government representatives, the i union and the Trades Council are all in | agreement that there is no justification ! for the men's action. ! "During the strike all of the com- : pany's officers, including the manager, s engineer, assistant - engineer, works superintendent, chemist and all the retort-house staff and other volunteers I are on dntv stoking in an effort to keep | the works going, with considerable success. We shall have to ask industrial users to refrain from the use of gas until the situation is clarified, but it is confidently hoped that the better judgment of many of the men will induce them to make an early return to work." SHORTAGE AT DEVONFORT QUALITY OF THE COAL There was a shortage of gas at Devonport, yesterday afternoon, and many housewives tound difficulty in the preparation of the evening meal. It was stated by Mr. Worley last night that this was dii/.* to the quality of the coal used being unsuitable for the retorts of the Devon port plant. The trouble was only of a temporary nature. MISHAPS TO TRAMS COLLISION WITH LORRY A collision between an inward-hound tramcar and a lorry belonging to G. W. Plant, receiving and forwarding agent, occurred opposite the Fanners' Trading Company's premises in Hohson Street shortK before 5 o'clock last, evening. The front cabin of the tfam was smashed, but the motorman, Mr. .1. Turner, was only .slightly injured, and was discharged after being taken to the casualty department of the Auckland Hospital. The t truck escaped lightly, and its driver was not injiiraL Tramcar,s were held up lor about: 15 mintes before the damaged car was driven away under its own power. After the motorman had alighted from a stationary tram at the Avondale terminus shortly after 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, the car began to move forward down the slope. The motorman ran alter it. but,before he reached ii the tram ran for about 'JOft. past the end of the rails. A temporary extension of the overhead wire had to be erected before the car could be restored to the line, and it was out of action for about 45 minutes. No damage was done to the tram, and the service*was not seriously affected. COM, SHORTAGE IN NORTH (O.C ) WHANGATt/EL Friday Owing to the shortage of coa!_ and the uncertainty of the future position, the majority of coal dealers in Whtingarei are not taking orders for household 'coal, as it is not possible to fulfil the present orders. It was explained by dealers that the demand for coal is no more than is usual at this time of the year, but coal is in short supply.