CASE STRUCK OUT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23221, 19 June 1937, Page 18

CASE STRUCK OUT

UNUSUAL POSITION ARISES AWARD DECLINED BY UNION (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, June 18. An unusual position arose in the Arbitration Court to-day when a dispute, in which a complete agreement had been arrived at in tHe Conciliation Council, was struck out because the union concerned" declined to accept an award. The dispute was that of the Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland wire workers. _, Mr D. I. MacDonald, who appeared for the employers, said that the parties had reached a complete agreement and an application for the exemption of certain parties from the award was sent down for hearing on April 19, but was adjourned because of the illness' of Mr Justice Page. The employers,

however, consented to pay the wages agreed to in the Conciliation Council as from April 19. Subsequently, arising out of an application of certain Wellington parties to be joined in the award, the union decided to withdraw from the proceedings. “ Under the present legislation,” Mr MacDonald continued, “ the employers cannot revert to the former rates of wages, while at the same time they have not the protection on an award.”

Mr Thurston, who appeared for the union, said that Wellington manufacturers had “upset the apple cart.” The position as outlined by Mr MacDonald was correct, but ultimately the step which the union had taken would prove to be of benefit to both parties., Mr Justice O’Regan commented that the circumstances were remarkable, but the court could do nothing in the matter. Either of the parties to a dispute had the right to withdraw from the proceedings before they reached the court. The case was accordingly struck out. '■"rii