THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES Wednesday, January 8, 1947. ACTION AND INACTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26354, 8 January 1947, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES Wednesday, January 8, 1947. ACTION AND INACTION

On Monday night, nearly six weeks after the commencement of the dispute on the waterfront, the Government took action to discipline the Waterside Workers’ Union which has chosen to disregard the methods of discussion and negotiation, and sought to enforce its demands by direct action. Tardy though the action of the Government is, it is to be commended on having promptly implemented the threat in the Prime Minister’s ultimatum last week. Despite the fact that the Union had ample time to reconsider its attitude, it has apparently chosen to remain recalcitrant. Its members refused to resume normal hours of work, and the Government issued an Order suspending the powers and authorities of the Waterfront Industry Commission. The battle is now on, but it is impossible yet to surmise how far its repercussions may extend. Mr Fraser has assured himself of the support of the National Executive of the Federation of Labour and, although there . was some initial criticism of the Executive’s action in reminding the waterside workers of their responsibilities, a number of the unions .affiliated with the Federation have approved its action and have recommended the watersiders to resume normal work and hand their dispute over immediately to the Federation for negotiations to be continued. The Transport Workers’ Federation and the Auckland Tramways Union, however, are reported to be in sympathy with the Waterside Workers’ Union, and there has been at least one suggestion of supporting action being taken.

Other of the most important unions have not yet revealed their attitude—perhaps because they are vitally interested in the outcome of this contest—but it would appear that if the watersiders stand firm there is a possibility of at least a minor split developing in the Federation of Labour. On the other hand, certain of the smaller ports have continued to work normal hours, and these unions, have been excluded from the suspension order. Further, it is reported that several of the secondary union branches have made it known that they wish normal work to be resumed, so that it is not impossible that the inaction on the part of the New Zealand Waterside Workers’ Union is something in the nature of'a “facesaving” policy and that lack of internal solidarity may compel the leaders to accede to the Prime Minister’s request in the near future. It is earnestly to be hoped that, in the words of Mr Nash, “ commonsense will prevail,” and that the Union will avail itself of the Government’s promise to adjust grievances “to the extent that adjustment is fairly due.” Mr Fraser derives his authority not from his supporters but from the nation as a whole.and, in acting as he has done, he has not “issued a challenge to the industrial movement,” nor has he thrown in his lot with “big business”—to quote the melodramatic interpretation. given by Mr H. Barnes. He is acting to protedt the general economy of New Zealand, and also to enable the Dominion to discharge its responsibilities to a world short of shipping and in urgent need of our food exports. In his endeavours he may be assured of the support of all responsible citizens.