Determination Of Builders To Uphold Industrial Law

Wanganui Chronicle, 18 February 1949, Page 5

Determination Of Builders To Uphold Industrial Law

AUCKLAND, Last Night (PA).— Builders and joinery manufacturers were extremely sorry to have to dismiss their carpenters and joiners, said a statement issued by the Auckland Master Builders’ Association. It was hard enough for everyone of them, but it was especially so for many who dismissed employees of up to 30 years’ standing. It was a matter of great regret that in the three days' notice given the union failed to realise the determination of the builders to uphold industrial law and to protect the public and the Government from the domination of pressure groups.

“The tide of public feeling against repeated flouting of the Arbitration Court decisions, when they did not happen to suit one party, could be gauged from the overwhelming support given to the association’s policy by both members and non-memhers in carrying out what they regarded as most unpleasant hut, unfortunately, a necessary duty,” the statement continued. "The loyal co-operation of all builders, joinery manufacturers and other employers, was most gratifying, and proved conclusively that the as%>ciation’s decision was the only possible and honourable one to meet insidious and dishonest go-slow tactics.’ ’

Employers who were not directly affected were particularly requested to honour the recommendation of their trade assosiations, and to refuse

to employ labour which became available as the result of the dispute, in any capacity whatever. The statement said that the builders and other employers throughout the province were also urged not to engage unemployed carpenters who might find their way into their district. Rumours that there were employers willing to engage carpenters were investigated, and, without exception, were found to be completely unfounded.

Carpenters would he employed tomorrow on a few jobs for very good reasons which had been accepted by the association, it was stated, but they would, in every case, finish during the day.

It was known for certain that between 1200 and 1500 carpenters and joiners were dismissed today, but only about a quarter of the confirmed awaited reports had been received tonight. stated the assocition. It should be remembered that comparatively few jobs would be completely deserted under the assocition's policy of dismissing only members of the Auckland branch of the Carpenters and Joiners’ Union. Foreman, labourers and apprentices, together with other building tradesmen, would continue in their employment, and there should be little difficulty in keeping them occupied for some time in the absence of carpenters. Many of the building sub-trades had ample new and repair work.