WATERSIDE DISPUTE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 14

WATERSIDE DISPUTE

Handling Of Cement (NX Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 27. A £2 million scheme to mechanise the handling of cement at North Island wharves led to a dispute today before the Waterfront Industry Tribunal between cargo-workers and port employers. The dispute was about the rights of cargq-workers to the work remaining on the wharves after the introduction of mechanisation. The tribunal, consisting of Judge K. G. Archer (chairman) and Messrs W. J. Cuthbert and W. E. Hodges, reserved its decision. For the Port Employers' Association Mr V. P. Blakeley said Wilsons (New Zealand > Portland Cement Company. Ltd., was spending £2 million on mechanisation of cement handling and purchasing a ship equipped with compartments from which cement could be forced by compressed air on to the wharf. The work not done by automation could legally provide employment for the crew of the ship and not by cargo-workers. Ports to be mechanised were Whangarei. Auckland. Tauranga and Napier. Applying for the right to have union meh do the work. Mr J. C. Napier submitted that Whangarei would be the most hard hit in New Zealand. The loading of bagged cement there comprised the greatest percentage of cargo handled and produced practically the whole of the “take home” pay of the union men.