DISTRIBUTION OF WORK

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1006, 24 June 1930, Page 11

DISTRIBUTION OF WORK

ROTARY SYSTEM SOUGHT BY WATERSIDERS UNFAIRNESS ALLEGED Seeking the introduction of the rotary system of engagement of labour I on the Auckland Waterfront to ensure [ a more equal distribution of work among members of the Waterside Workers’ Union, a section of waterfront employees is now circulating a petition among its fellow-members of the union. Already more than 600 names have been appended to the petition. it is stated. The petitioners claim that through the mechanisation of the handling of cargo I on the waterfront between 3i»o and 4tM) i of the union’s membership of 1.340 were securing an advantage over the remainder by returning to the place of "pick-up,” on completing discharge of one ship, and securing another job before the rest of the members. The membership of the union had recently been increased by 200, each of whom paid a membership foe and 12 months | contributions in advance. It was stated that 370 members were receivI ing sufficient to make them liable for j income-tax', and yet a large number I was compelled to seek relief from the Charitable Aid Board, while many others were scarcely receiving a living wage. The petitioners hold that the rotary system would equalise working and economic conditions, and would eliminate the present competition with one another to catch the foreman’s eye. and other job-getting systems. Those promoting the petition aim at securing SOO names, which will be n majority of the union. The proposals will then be submitted to the employers for consideration.