Trade Union Split; Delegate Opposes Secret Ballot And Walks Out

Wanganui Chronicle, 20 July 1950, Page 5

Trade Union Split; Delegate Opposes Secret Ballot And Walks Out

WELLINGTON, Last Night (PA)— Dissension over the Federation of Labour and Trade Union Congress issue led to the Auckland Labourers’ Union representative, Mr. F. G. Potter, walking out of a meeting of the National Council of the Labourers Federation in Wellington yesterday, according to to a statement issued today by the federation secretary, Mr. P. M. Butler, The statement said that Mr. Potter walked out after it had been stated that under th e federation's rules a secret ballot of all members of all affiliated unions, including Auckland, was to he held because the majority of unions had asked for it. Mr. Butler said that a report on recent developments within the Labourers’ Federation was presented to the meeting and this indicated that there had been a departure from the understanding reached by the council that the F.O.L. and T.U.C. disruption should not be allowed to affect lhe I labourers’ national organisation. The I report said that the Auckland, Poverty Bay and Canterbury Unions had (apparently come to an understanding to force a decision on the issue at a special meeting of the National Council. Had this occurred, said Mr. Butler, it would have meant, that the rank and tile of the 8500-strong federal ion would not have been given an opportunity of expressing their individual opinions in the matter. The Southland, Wanganui, Wellington and Canterbury Unions asked foi a secret postal ballot of all affiliated members, and under the rules of the federation the National Council must give effect to this request, as the ballot was sought by the majority, said Mr. Butler. However, when this was pointed out Mr. Potter left, stating as he wont, that “he had orders to remaiin in the T.U.C.,” said Mr. Butler.