AUCKLAND BUSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 5, 7 January 1944, Page 4

AUCKLAND BUSES

DRIVERS AND SUNDAY WORK MINISTER’S STATEMENT (P.A.) Wellington, Jan. 6. In a statement to-night the Hop. P. C. Webb, Minister of Labour, referred to the reported decision of a general meeting of ’ the Auckland Drivers’ Union to support the bus drivers’ resolution to carry only essential workers on Sundays until the proprietors agree to the demands of the workers for double-time payment on Sundays, a guaranteed minimum of eight hours’ work and no change in present, roster for days off. The Minister said that under the terms of the award no provision is made special Sunday rates except where the worker has exceeded the weekly or fortnightly prescribed number of working hours. “A discussion between the parties took place prior to the holidays, arising out of complaints made by the union that conditions of work on Sundays have become particularly difficult, due to overloading, largely on account of visiting servicemen. Some misunderstanding arose between the parties regarding the result of the conference and the workers decided to work as usual on Christmas Sunday pending a further meeting of the union. During my visit to Auckland last week I was informed that, at a meeting of the union held between Christmas and New Year it had been decided not to run the buses on the Sunday following New Year’s Day unless double time was paid and a minimum of eight hours’ consecutive work conceded. I informed the union, through the secretary, that the decision «was a breach of the law and would affect the public in their holiday arrangements, ajid the Government would be forced to take stern measures if the decision of the union was adhered to. It was explained to me that a rearrangement of hours of work on Sunday could be brought about which would ensure the workers a full eight hours’ work, and in view of this I agreed to appoint a disputes committee under the Strike and Lock-out Emergency Regulations to look into the matter with the view of finding a solution to the difficulty. It comes as a surprise to me that tne union has rejected the proposal to have the disnute dealt with by a special tribunal, and has decided to refuse to work the buses on Sundays except for essential workers. I am hopeful, however, that the union will reconsider the position and that the proposal to have the matter dealt with in the manner above suggested will be adopted—failing which it will bo necessary to invoke the provisions of the law regarding illegal stoppages of work.”