WORK ON THE WHARVES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17037, 10 May 1923, Page 13

WORK ON THE WHARVES.

NEW SYSTEM REJECTED. (Per Prrss Association.) WELLINGTON. May 9. The new scheme of oentvalising labour on the waterfront and equalising employment figured rather prominently some two months ago in Arbitration Court proceedings. By common consent it Mas to be given a. trial, but after seven weeks it has broken down. Some of the men contend that undue discrimination has been shown in selection. and that, while they used to get regular work, they have been cut out. In consequence of such complaints the Waterside Union has turned the scheme down and the old arrangements will be reverted to. The employers’ manager says the scheme has not been given a fair trial, that the men arc too impatient and the period is too short to allow of equalisation, which must necessarily be spread over a fail- time. The new system was intended to absorb 900 men, but not the whole of those seeking employment. Old habits and customs bad to be bioken down, but this could not be effectively done in seven weeks. Both employers and men had to be disciplined. but the men resented k, though the scheme would have been for their benefit in the long run. Under any system the best men would get most ivork. Under that abandoned hours were shortened, now they will be lengthened.