LABOUR FEDERATION ASKS WATERSIDERS TO REFER DISPUTE TO IT

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 September 1950, Page 5

LABOUR FEDERATION ASKS WATERSIDERS TO REFER DISPUTE TO IT

WELLINGTON, Last Night (FA).— The Federation of Labour today sent a letter lb the Waterside Workers Union offering to assist in promoting a settlement of the strike. The Federation's letter stated that thousands of workers among the 200,000 unionists affiliated to the federation were likely to become Involved if the dispute was not quickly settled. Tiie national executive of the Federation sincerly offered co-opration and assistance in an endeavour to bring about a satisfactory settlement and requested the union to accept this offer in the spirit in which it was given. The Federation’s letter added: “We would request you, in the interests of the Labour movement as a whole, to refer the dispute to us for direct negotiations towards a satisfactory settlement." The union was asked for an immediate reply. Twenty-nine representatives ot unions affiliated to the Federation of Labour attended a meeting today at which the wharf dispute was discussed. The executive of the New Zealand Trade Union Congress resolved today ot support the watersiders and to take what action might be necessary to ensure satisfactory settlement of the dispute. The secretary (Mr. A. B- Grant! said tonight that the T.U.C. executive was in close consultation with the Waterside Union.