WATERFRONT LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25589, 17 July 1944, Page 7

WATERFRONT LABOUR

DISSATISFACTION WITH SYSTEM I CASUAL WORKERS’ COMPLAINT A complaint that men in permanent positions in Oamaru secured work on the waterfront at night and at week-ends, thus depriving casual waterfront workers, who term themselves “ seagulls,” of employment on the wharves, was voiced at a meeting convened by the Oamaru Trades Council on Saturday night. Mr G. Stringer (president) and Mr A. G. Amies (secretary), of the Trades Council, addressed the meeting, at which there were only 11 present, including three or four " seagulls.” Mr Stringer, who was in the chair, expressed disappointment at the small attendance of u seagulls,” saying that it was very difficult to help people who would not help themselves. It was felt that the “ seagulls ” should form an organisation. What the Trades Council was most concerned about was to try to get a happy community. Men in permanent, jobs went down to the waterfront and obtained work, and that should not happen when the casual workers were deprived of work. The problem had been considered for over a year. If the Waterside Workers’ Union would consent to the formation of a subsidiary union of " seagulls,’’ so that they would be given preference after union labour had been engaged. it would help to solve the problem, but the watersiders said this could not be done. Men in stores and in constant jobs, some earning £7, £B, and £9 a week, went down to the waterfront at night and at the week-ends and deprived the casual waterfront worker of employment. The watersiders said they could not have two unions on one job, but it was suggested that the “ seagulls ” should form an association to co-operate with the union and secure for its members second preference on the waterfront. The Oamaru Waterside Workers’ Union had a closed membership, and men who had worked on the wharves for 20 years could not join the union. The Trades Council did not wish to interfere, but only wanted to assist in solving the problem. Mr Amies said they needed a scheme m Oamaru to absorb the casual or seasonal worker, whether he worked in the stores or freezing works. The position this year was good, as only six men were not placed, but that was because of war conditions. They had met the Minister of Health, Mr A. H. Nordmeyer, and two schemes had been suggested. They thought afforestation was a good scheme, and the other was irrigation. The average wages of watersiders in Oamaru amounted to £2 ss, and many had transferred to Port Chalmers and Lyttelton, and something would have to be done so that men engaged on the waterfront could supplement their earnings to raise them to a living wage. A watersider could not take a constant job. and that was all the more reason why such schemes as afforestation and irrigation should be developed. New industries would not absorb the casual or seasonal workers; they were for permanent emplyoment. He supported the suggestion that the “ seagulls ” should form | an organisation. Mr G. Murray said the Trades Council should not accept the position disclosed by the disappointing attendance. It was a wet night, and the “ seagulls ” should be given, at least, another opportunity to do something for themselves. It was pointed out that some men in stores were called on for»waterfront work when there was a shortage of waterfront labour. Then the employer said these men came down when he wanted them, and so why should he not give them preference? Mr A. F. Stock said the onus in regard to preference was on the stevedore who called the labour. Mr J. Symon said the employers insisted on engaging just what men they liked. The permanent workers should not be there at all, but they could not stop them. On the previous day five gangs were put on a boat, but three gangs of union men would have had four hours’ extra work if the “ seagulls ” had not been employed. In the last war. at Is 8d an hour, watersiders earned £3 10s, but now. at 3s 2d an hour, their average wages in Oamaru were only £2 10s. Coastal shipping was not ” essential the position v'as different with Home boats or loading for troops. After further discussion the meeting agreed that another meeting of ” seagulls ” should be called. The Trades Council, it was stated, was willing to assist in every way possible, but not so as to raise antagonism on the part of any other association or organisation affiliated with the council. Mr Symon agreed to take back the views expressed at the meeting to the Watersiders’ Union, and report its views to the next meeting. It was also agreed to put the views expressed at the meeting before Mr Nordmeyer