Carpenters' Union Must Use Court

Chronicle (Levin), 10 March 1948, Page 5

Carpenters' Union Must Use Court

Press Associaiion) ,

(Per

WELLINGTON, Mars 9. Cabinet has rejected tlkp pro" posal of the natiohai executM'P oi the Eederation of Labour thaiva tribunai be appointed to decidk the issues in the carpenters' dis-' pute., This decision was made at-a meeting of the Miliistry Jhis afternoon. In a letter subsequently sent to . the secretary of tlie Federatioii j (Mr. K. MeL, Baxter) tlie Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) stated it was quite clear that there was no legal obstacle in Th e way .of an approach to the Coitrt of Arbitration and that the Carpenters*' .Union was entifled to 8make further ajpplication for an amendment of'its award whenever it wished to do so. - The Prime Minister 's letter will be considered by the national (xecutive tomorrow morning. The Prime Minister 's reply to M r. Baxter is : " Y our executive 's latest proposals in cbnnection with the carpenters' dispute have been considered by Cabinet. I have to advise you that ^Cabinet cannol agree to your suggestion .that a t1 ibunal be set up under the Slrikes and Lockouts Fmerg^ney Regulations to deeide the matters at issue. "The position in regard to the . Carpenters-' ■ pnion's right of apluoaeh to the Court of Arbitration !:as been very carefully examine'd. It is ((iiite clear there is no legal 'ibsiacle in the way of sucli an approach and that the (hirpenters' Union is entitled. to make further application for an amendment of its award whenever it wishes to d-p so. As the normal cotirse is, therefore, open to the union, Cabinet eannot agree to the setting up of a tribunai under the regulations to handle the dispute. "Accordin|>ly I would repeat Cabinet's earliei: decision as- fqllows: — That ah assurance must be* obtained from the Carpenters.' Union that the go-slow. .be - ealled ofk" Trnmediately and tliat the incTustrial law will be st.rietly oloserved in future by the union... ; Tn the event of such an assurance * being givei;i that. it will obseLVe n the industrial law now and, ip future no l'urther- sumrnon^eh against Ihe Carpenters' Uiiiqfi, or„ .. its members will* be issue'd. The eases in which summouses havcaT-; ?; ready been issued must proceed. • " J f dcsired by the Carpenters' Union, the Government wijf. then fhcilitate the making of further application to the Court of Arbitration for an amendment of the union 5s award and/or a start of proeeedings for a new award at the earliest possiMe momeilt."