Men’s Conditions

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21155, 3 July 1940, Page 8

Men’s Conditions

COAL MINES STRIKE Hi--OUTLINE BY MINISTER MR O’BRIEN AS ARBITRATOR DISMISSAL PLAINLY JUSTIFIED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Amplifying his statement on the circumstances leading to the strike which began on Monday at the Liverpool State coal mine, the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, said the facts, which had been carefully investigated, were that at the end of May evidence was found of sabotage. After the matter had been investigated by the mine manager a trucker was dismissed on the grounds of sabotage and endangering the lives of other miners. The executive of the union and the mine management could not agree, and the case was referred to Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., for decision. Prior Arrangement Mr Webb explained that some time ago it was agreed between the department and the union that in any case where a miner was dismissed by the management, work would continue without interruption pending investigation by the executive of the union. In the event of the executive and the management of the mine failing to reach agreement, it was decided that the case should be referred to Mr O’Brien for consideration, and his ruling was to be final and binding on both parties. It was further agreed that in any case where it was found that dismissal was unwarranted, the department would re-employ the workman and pay him for all time lost. Interpretation Challenged As a result of Mr O’Brien’s investigation and subsequent decision, the Minister continued, it was plain that the dismissal of the trucker was justified. The interpretation of the arbitrator’s finding was challenged by the union, and after the manager had declined to permit the trucker to go to work the miners returned home. Later the same morning the workmen engaged at the James and Strongman State collieries also ceased work. Mr Webb said the only condition on which the men would return to work was a guarantee of the dismissed man’s reinstatement, and payment to him. for time lost since he was dismissed. This condition was refused by the Government, and the union would ndrt agree to any return to work while further negotiations took place. Statements by the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, expressing the Government’s determination to insist on compliance with the law, and by the Minister of Mines on the circumstances of the dispute, are reported on page 10. NO DEVELOPMENTS MEN REPORTED SOLID l UNION PRESIDENT’S COMMENT (By Telegraph.—Press Association) GREYMOUTH, Wednesday There is no change in the State Mines dispute. Mr George English, president of the union, interviewed regarding the statements by the Hon. P. Fraser and P. C. Webb, declared he had no comment to make, adding: The union is taking a firm stand and I was never more proud of them. They are 100 per cent, solid.” Mr English does not think the mines will work to-morrow.