EXCLUSION

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 254, 17 January 1928, Page 9

EXCLUSION

Watersiders’ Ban UNION’S METHODS Prevented from joining their official union, many waterside workers state they are “fed-up with the disadvantages under which they have to work as nonunionists. A CCORDINGLY over 200 of them "*■ have presented the following petition: “We, the undersigned non-union-ists on the waterfront, do hereby petition to the Auckland shipping companies that once we start work on a ship we shall stop on such ship until the work is completed.” “Unionists get first preference every time.” said the spokesman of a deputation of non-unionists who came to The Sun Office this morning, “and it is ridiculous to say that they are ever kept out of a job by non-union-ists. Ofter the unionists refuse to do dirty work, like the unloading of sulphur, phosphate and coal boats, and we carry on. Then, when the dirty work is finished, they have the right to come along and order us off the ship. That is why we are petitioning the shipping companies.” The refusal of the union to accept new members was another grievance. ”1 had a discharge from the New Plymouth Union,” said one man, "and when I put my 25s on the table the Auckland secretary threw it on the floor and said, ‘Get out!’” It would have been rather hard to believe that any secretary could- have been guilty of such conduct had not The Sun reporter had the experience of a telephone conversation with that gentleman. “I have nothing whatever to say about that,” said the secretary when he was told of the deputation. “Is it true that the union has closed its doors?” asked the reporter. The receiver went on with a click. Quite the dictator touch!