TAKING THEIR SATURDAY

Evening Star, Issue 22442, 12 September 1936, Page 10

TAKING THEIR SATURDAY

CALLIOPE DOCK WORKERS [Per United Press Association-! AUCKLAND, September 11. Following, a meeting after work had ceased at the usual time the civilian employees at the Calliope Dock were addressed this afternoon by officials of several unions and decided not to work to-morrow morning. The men, numbering over 140, refused to work last Saturday because no change had been made in the regulations governing their employment towards reducing the hours of work, and it is understood that to-day’s decision is a continuation of the protest. /The men, including engineers, carpenters, shipwrights, and painters are employed on a casual basis at hourly rates. They -have been working a 44hour week with work on Saturdays. No action was taken against them when they reported for duty as usual last Monday morning, work continuing as if no contretempts had occurred. It had been explained to the men that the regulations had not been modified as the had not reached any decision regarding a reduction of hours as it affected small departments. The manager of the dockyard (Mr G. M'Cloghne) said to-night that no action could be taken until instructions were received from the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). The dock would be open for any of the men who wished to work; He understood that the men had received a telegram to the effect that the Minister desired them to carry on as usual in the meantime.