THE PRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979. Some sense at Bluff
The agreement under which it will be possible for the West German factory ship Wesermunde to be unloaded at Bluff is welcome, but it would be a mistake for it to be regarded in any other way than that of being a facesaving device. Happily the work to be done by waterfront employees is not to be taken as a precedent. The basis of the agreement seems to be that work done in the ship's hold will be the responsibility of the crew, work on the ship’s deck will be done by watersiders. and two watersiders will be engaged as wharf landers for each gang employed. The question at issue was whether it was the responsibility of fishermen or watersiders to unload the ship. The Minister of Fisheries, Mr Bolger, was quick to imply that the Government was not involved in the settlement, and he also said that the agreement allows other ships in New Zealand waters to be unloaded in the customary manner.
This means that the Wesermunde is an exception. However illogical this may be it is an improvement on the
position of the last day or two when the Wesermunde has been waiting for the dispute to be settled.
The sad facts of the case are that if watersiders were given the job of unloading the fishing vessels which come into the ports around New Zealand. the country would not be able to afford to have a fishing industry. Watersiders are fairly showing their concern that work is not taken from them. In this instance there is no suggestion that it is being taken from them; but fishermen also have jobs and earnings to be considered. It is no exaggeration to say that a fair and economical resolution of the dispute, and of any subsequent differences, will help to secure the future of their industry and livelihood. The positive aspect of the agreement has been that good sense has prevailed in agreeing to get a job done without prejudicing future arrangements. It would be fortunate if that good sense prevails when a permanent agreement is being sought.
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Press, 19 April 1979, Page 18
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360THE PRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1979. Some sense at Bluff Press, 19 April 1979, Page 18
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