BUS DRIVERS FIRM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 4, 6 January 1944, Page 5

BUS DRIVERS FIRM

DEREGISTRATION THREAT DEFIED <P.A.) , Auckland, Jan. 5. In spite of the threat of deregistration by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, a general meeting of the Auckland Drivers’ Union tonight decided to support the bus drivers’ original resolution to carry only essential workers on Sundays until the proprietors agreed to their demands for double time, a guaranteed minimum of eight hours’ work and no change in the present rosters for days off. The secretary of the union, Mr. L G. Matthews, said the men intended to operate a restricted service between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. next Sunday. He advised members of the general public not to attempt to ride in workers’ buses. The union agreed to support any action of the bus drivers' section to bring the dispute with the omnibus proprietors to a successful conclusion, said Mr. Matthews. The full union endorsed the proposals of the bus drivers for Sunday work. Although it knew it faced the risk of deregistration, the union was prepared to accept the consequences of its action. “If the Minister gives effect to his threat we intend to maintain our organisation even in the face of the War Emergency Regulations,” said Mr. Matthews.