DISPUTE PAID DIVIDEND

Chronicle (Levin), 12 August 1947, Page 7

DISPUTE PAID DIVIDEND

— ♦ CLAIM BY AUCKLAND WATERSIDERS A message from Auckland elaiming that the cessation of the waterfront dispute there, at the instance of the natioual executive of the union, is ' ' generally considered to mark the first serious setback the union has experienced in its militant progress of the past few years, ' ' is described in union •quarters in Wellington as a complete distortion of the situation. Anotlier assertion in the message that "the subsequent capitulation of the union has been • reflected in unres-1 among members," is denied just as vigorously. The opinions of the national exeeutive after the recent three-day conference in Wellington were exactly con i trary to the claims from Auckland, it is stated. The conference led to a remarkable demonstration of the strength within the union, the great measure of support for its leaders, and the singleness of purpose during critical situations. There liave been other occasions vvlien a defeat of the union has beeil clainied, it is recalled offieially. Only a few months ago, it was represented that the Government secured a victory over the union. Subsequent events proved that, the " settlement, " which was hailed as a Government suceess, involved substantial coneessions to the union. Paid a Dvidend The Auckland dispute paid a divideiul, it is stated, and it was helpful to the union. It led direetly to "eonsulta-. tions between the union executive and the national council of the New Zea land Federation of Labour. The upsliot was that the union obtained sup port from the Federation of Labour, and this circumstance, it is stated, represented ' ' a remarkable achievement." A few months ago, the union was not able to obtain support from the Federation of Labour. Atteution is drawn also to thc fact that it was from the union executive that a foreeast of the inipending settlemen of the Auckland dispute was published last Thursday afteruoon. It is contended by the union that it would hardlv liave been tempted to give a prophecy of its own alleged defeat* or capitulation. Other facts should be borne in rnind to arrive at a correct appraisal of the situation, union sources also state. The un'ionists in Auckland, voted nine to one in favour of continuing the dispute and simultaneouslv leaving it to the | decision of the national executive. The vote was obtained from some 1500 members in the hall and 400 outside This did not indicate dissatisfaction witli the branch officials in Auckland. Moreover, the national executive of the union unanimously endorsed the action of the Auckland branch, and there was not a dissentient voice. The national executive held that there was no violition by the union of auy agreement with the Government. For reasons of its own, and especially because a concord had been reached significantly with the Federation of Labour, the national executive reeommended the resumption of ■ ordinary working in Auckland knowing that the union claims would now liave outside support. Prompt Response Ti is stated also that the ffiahfl^f Un which tlie Auckland unioni.sts 'oljServed the decision reflected the strong' a&rce ment within the union. In the absenco of :ts dclegates in Wellington, tlie Auckland branch yet readilv responded to telephoned advice that the national executive desired a resumption of work. Conversely, it is stated, it would be foasiole to iinagiue as willing a response to quite a dift'erent recommenda tion. Watcrsiders have often been abused for stopping work, it is coin nieuted in Wellington, but the novel position lias been reached where there ara criticism and misrepresentation ot the cireuinstances leading to a resump tion of work. It was evideut at the conference of the union executive that there was liiuch satisfactiou over the developments, and union officials have claimed that the policy of refraining from pub-

lished controversies with the Government had the merit of keeping very inuch in the dark tliose wlio would dearlv love to see some of the union officials at ioggerheads with tlieir mem bership. In fact, it is stated, the claims made in Auckland about the situation of the union suggested a frantie desire to know more about the opinions and jnfentioiis of the union.