NORMAL WORKING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19893, 22 March 1939, Page 7

NORMAL WORKING

WELLINGTON WHARVES MEN CHARGE EMPLOYERS FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE HEAVY LABOUR DEMAND (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this clay. Normal working on the Wellington waterfront was resumed shortly after 1 o'clock. In a statement after the stop-work meeting of watersiders and Ministers, Mr. J. Roberts, national secretary of the Waterside Workers' Federation, said a lengthy discussion took place regarding the position on the waterfront, which was stated by the men to be due to the employers' refusal to negotiate with the national union. The Ministers explained the policy of the Government regarding the necessity for continuous supplies of-New Zealand produce for overseas markets. A resolution was carried that the men resume normal working and that the national body commence immediate negotiations with the employers for a new Dominion agreement, the present award having expired last July, The Ministers thanked the men for the hearing and for the expressions of loyalty to the Government after which a resolution was carried expressing full, confidence in the Prime Minister and the Government. Speakers at the stop-work meeting included Mr. J. Flood, president of the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Union. A substantial number of non-union-ists have been engaged for work this afternoon. It* was stated on Dehalf of the Waterside Labour Bureau that after the manning of the Piako, Rangitata, Doric Star, Karu and Foxton, the rive boats principally concerned in the dismissals of the past lew days, 400 union men would be left.

Requisitions had been received for 1100 men leaving a shortage of 700. There appeared, however, to be an ample supply of non-union labour. It is understood that all the men are being started afresh.