WATERSIDERS GO THEIR OWN SWEET WAY

Chronicle (Levin), 31 October 1946, Page 9

WATERSIDERS GO THEIR OWN SWEET WAY

AU CKL AND, Oct. -30. The Colonial Sugar Eefining Company is preparing a temporary cliange ro'om at Chelsea to be used until a permaneut building can be ' provided. Work will be finislioAj.Avithin a fortni'ght and although it is reported that some workers are prepared to accept tlie situation and resume overtime to 9 p.m., others are remaining adamant. Although the workers are not bound to accept overtime, tlie discliarge of eargoes at Chelsea is being seriously affected bv their aetiou and ihe new developme'nt of a 3 p.m. finisli is one Avliicli is eonsidored contrary to the rules of tlie WaterI'ront Comniission. Tlie.' subject will be discussed by the Auckland Port Committee lomorrow. ■ Tlie refusal of tlie aa'aterside workers to Avork overtime at Chelsea until a cliange room an'd Avasliing facilities have been provided, Avas carried a further stage 011 Tuesday and today Ayhen the men engaged 011 discliarging sugar from the steamer Stancleeve, caught Ihe 3.30 p.m. ferry" baclc to the citye It is umlerstood the men are takingya stand against travelling in the lioi'mal ferry Avhit-h lirings them to the Auckland Avaterfront about 5.10 j).m., ten minutes after tlie normal liuishing time. Workers avIio Avent to discliarge the collier Karepo' on her arrival at Chelsea today, remaiued, however, to catch tlie later ferry. The situation is one wliich is baffling the waterfront authorities. No overtime is also being Avorked 011 tlie basic slag eargoes being discharged from the New Zealand Ship|dng Company 's liner Iiangitata and the steamer Nortliumberland, both at Queen's Wharf. The workers hai'e stated they consider an eight-hour day sufficient Avlien tliis type of cargo is handled. Eespii'ators have been issued to all the men engaged on the two ships • and morning and afternoon rations of milk are being iirovidcd.