WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS, SAYS PRESIDENT.

Chronicle (Levin), 3 December 1946, Page 7

WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS, SAYS PRESIDENT.

-Press Assoeiation

Bu Telearavh-

AUCKLAND, Dec. 2. In deciding to work onlv a foftvliour week watersiders are xvithin tlieir riglits in the opiuion of tlieir national president (Mr. H. Barnes). Discussing the position today lie saiJ that every member of Ihe union had tlie right individually to refuse work aud overtime, and their present action, he elainied, is an exercising of tliat right,. although it . was by way of a protest against tlie recent guaranteed wage decision of the "Waterfront Industry Commission. Tlie watersiders w.ere casual workers and should be paid ,011 the casual basis, Mr. Barnes added. The dailv minimuni of I Is requested by the union was uothing revolutionary. For some time the w=qrkers in the 1'ort of London liad been receiving a 12s minimum a day. Mr. Barnes said that to be eligible for the £25 .guaranteed monthly wage every worker had to be available to tlie industry for at least 59 hours a week. If tlie worker had a day olf and yet was available for everv other day inthe period he might be in the position of uot receiving oue penny. Under the new order every worker was required to report dailv and even wdien wet'was required to wait about* from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to avoid being penalised, he coneluded.