WORK THE WHARVES OR-?

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 January 1947, Page 4

WORK THE WHARVES OR- ?

“YY7OKK the wharves or lose your privileges,” declared the Prime Minister some weeks ago. Ample time has been given to those who direct, the Watersiders’ Union’s policy to meet the Prime. Minister’s requirements. The Waterfront Commission’s powers have been cancelled and the watersiders are still imposing a 40-hour five-day week upo;i wharf work. For their part they will not fully operate the wharves. The next move, must be made by the. Prime Minister. He is being asked to negotiate, but now the time for action has arrived.

The surprising news is that no secret ballot, has been taken by the union to discover the views of its members. The question may be asked whether the Government, is entitled to negotiate with representatives who do not have a mandate from the men comprising the union. The Government must first ask whether the representatives of the union represent the rank and tile, and il there is no assurance forthcoming that can be accepted, then Air. Fraser should refuse to treat with the union’s representatives. The watersiders are. individuals anxious to earn their living, but they are not. as individuals, in a position to withstand union pressure. That, pressure may be the pressure which union officials are in a position to exert. There should be no attempt to undermine the real authority of trades union officials, but that does not preclude asking whether such authority to make demands has the backing of the men who are most concerned. The first step in the negotiations is to demand that the Government take a secret ballot of the members of the union in all ports. This should have been demanded by the Government six weeks ago.