DISPUTE WITH UNION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 734, 6 August 1929, Page 11

DISPUTE WITH UNION

TRAMWAYMEN STILL DEFY TRANSPORT BOARD REFUSAL TO ARBITRATE The deadlock between Transport ; Board and the Tramways and Bus Employees’ Union over the board’s demand that the union expunge a minute from its books “viewing with strong disapproval the action of certain of its members in giving evidence against the union in cases taken up against the board” i still finds neither side willing to yield. The Transport Board's suggestion that the matter be referred to the Arbitration Court does not meet with the approval of the union. The fojj lowing letter was read by the board this morning, being resolutions passed by the union: That while appreciating the desire of the board in its resolution of July 9, 1929, the union join it in submitting the whole matter to the Arbitration Court in order that an amicable settlement may be reached, the committee of the union has respectfully to inform the board that it is a considered opinion that there is nothing to arbitrate upon, as the matter 'to which the board takes exception, quite apart from the fact that it is in due accord with the law and within the rights of the union to deal with, is purely a domestic affair of the union. We therefore must adhere to the resolution passed at a mass meeting of the union, and forwarded to the board on the Ist instant. That we again ask that the negotiations for a new industrial agreement be continued, conferences dealing with such matters between the board and the union to date having been of an amicable and conciliatory nature, and which have been temporarily interrupted by the attitude of the board in the matter mentioned above, with a view to a conciliatory settlement at an early date. Tho chairman of the board. Mr. J. A. C. Allum, moved that the letter be received, and that the question of the union’s refusal to arbitrate be referred to the board-in-committee. Mr. F. S. Morton considered that no good was being done by the board maintaining its. attitude. The books should be cleaned immediately, and an agreement drawn up with the men. He moved the amendment that the matter be finalised at that meeting. A continuation of the strained relations was against the good of the public. Mr. E. J. Phelan, who secQnded, could see no purpose in delaying, and, if only to dispel the feeling of dissatisfaction in the service, negotiations should be resumed with the men. Mr. Allum’s motion, however, was carried.