TRAMWAY DISPUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11251, 1 July 1922, Page 5

TRAMWAY DISPUTE

TALK OF A STRIKE CITY COUNCIL DECIDES ON COURSE OF ACTION. “TROUBLE BOUND TO 00ME.” The dispute regarding wages and working conditions between the City Council and . the local tramwaymen’s union was discussed by the City Council on Thursday night until an early hour yesterday morning. It was decided in committee that authority be given for the taking of all necessary qteps to secure a .settlement of tlie dispute under the provisions of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1908. Councillor C. H. Chapman protested, in speaking against the confirmation of the decision, that the council . had acted most unwisely, and was simply looking for trouble. _ It had issued an ultimatum to the union that any agreement must provide:—(a) That the union withdraw its registration under the Industrial Disputes Act and come under the Arbitration Act; and l (b) that it submit to a reduction in wages amounting to 6s per week. He maintained that tho union was entitled to register under any Act it wished, and the council was exceeding its power in compelling the men to forgo their legal rights. The council had adopted the attitude that it could compel the union to. go into the Arbitration Court because there were large numbers of unemnloyed available. He accused the council of making harsh terms. The men were being forced into taking drastic action. He hoped an attempt mould be made to call a reasonable conference. The Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.) said he could not see any harshness in the council's attitude. The union, which was registered under the two Acts, could cancel one—whichever it chose. Councillor P. Fraser, M.P., in seconding an opposing amendment moved bv Councillor Chapman, characterised the decision os absurd and foolish, and referred to the trouble it was likely to brew. Councillor Luckie : What trouble? Councillor Fraser: The trouble that is hound to come. Councillor Luckie: Why not use the word “strike,” as you did in committee? Councillor Fraser replied that he would use it when he thought fit. _lt was either a climb down for the union or a strike in some form or other. The Afay or: Go slow? Councilor Fraser: I don’t know. I don’t know the mind of the union. He accused the council of insisting npon impossible conditions and of taking ujp a weak attitude. Several other councillor criticised the Labour members’ remarks. 'The Alayor, in .reply, said that the union had created the dispute, and had forced matters. The Minister had power to oall the parties together once more for the purpose of discussing a settlement. The Labour members’ amendment was lost by 11 votes to 2.