AUCKLAND GAS DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 225, 17 June 1920, Page 5

AUCKLAND GAS DISPUTE

. .. By Telegraph—Press Association. ' ~''•■ Auckland, June 16. No further developments have acurred in connection with the decision of the Gas Employees' Union to take "extrome action to enforce their claims. The manager of the Gas 'Company stated tonight that in reply to the secretary of the union, who asked for reconsideration of the men's demands, he had slated that tho matter would be laid before a meeting of the beard of directors next Monday. Owing to the absence of some of the members, no full meeting of tho board could be held Wore then. STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF LABOUR. In roferenco to the statement teler graphed from Auckland to the elf cot that the Gas Workers' Union favoured "extreme action" to secure their demands, Mr. F. W. Rowley, Seoretary to tho Labour Department, stated yesterday that tho position was that this union had entered into an agreement withChe Ga? Company last December, under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act. The currency of this agreement was until June, 1921. If the men ceased work they would bo commiting a breach of the law by striking during tho currency of the agreement which they themselves had ontered into. Tho_ Labour Disputes Investigation Act provided fairly severo penalties for men who strike,.and also for any person or organisation inciting or aiding and abetting such strike. There was also special provision in tho Industrial and Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1908 relating to certain public utilities, 6tich as the supply of water, gas, coal, etc. Fora breach of this section scvei'B penalties were also provided on summary conviction.

Mr. Rowley said he had tolograplicd to the union pointing out these provisions, and advlsinpr them to carefully consider the matter before taking any action.'