Drivers drop protest

Press, 12 April 1979, Page 4

Drivers drop protest

A threat of industrial action by Christchurch Transport Board drivers in protest against the dismissal of a member convicted on drug charges has been withdrawn. The Christchurch branch of the Tramway Workers’ Union threatened action in support of Carol Christine Banks, aged 26, who was convicted last week in the Magistrate’s Court on charges of possessing cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply and of cultivating cannabis. She had pleaded not guilty.

The board’s general manager (Mr M. G. Taylor) said yesterday that the notice of industrial action had been withdrawn by the union when it was told the facts about the dismissal and the right of appeal. Banks has appealed against her dismissal under the provisions of the Tramways Act, 1908, and her appeal has been heard by Mr Taylor in the first instance, who has reserved his decision. If Mr Taylor confirms the board’s dismissal,

Banks has a right under the act to appeal to a Tramways Appeal Board, comprising the district senior magistrate and a representative each of the union and the board. Mr Taylor said that a final decision could be affected by the possibility of an appeal against the Magistrate’s decision. Banks will appear for sentence today. She was one of the first three women to be employed by the board, and began driving buses in January.