ON THE WATERFRONT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8681, 14 March 1914, Page 7

ON THE WATERFRONT

NON-UNIONISTS DISMISSED,

An anomaly has existed in regard, to the employment of labour on the waterfront during the period—nearly three months—that has elapsed since the conclusion of the strike, in that a fairly large number of men who did not join the Wharf Labourers’ Union have been Kiven work, both of a casual and comparatively regular nature. The position is that a number of these men have been averse to joining the new union, as thev were not satisfied with its administration. The executive of the union became aware that non-unionists were being employed, and yesterday a member of the executive visited the work where such labourers were engaged to the number of twenty-odd. He expressed his regret that it would be necessary to dismiss the men. but explained that this step was unavoidable. The workmen were accordingly discharged. The- arr considered good workers, and among their number are several leading hands. The men affected have referred the matter to the Labour Department, as they consider that a breach of the agreement has been committed, and that under tho preference clause there is no necessity for them to join the union. .