ORDERED TO RESUME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 August 1940, Page 3

ORDERED TO RESUME

AUCKLAND WATERSIDE , WORKERS ACTION BY THE CONTROL COMMISSION. MEN FORFEIT RIGHT TO PREFERENCE. (Bj’ Telegraph—Press Association.) - AUCKLAND. August 19. Seventy waterside workers who on Friday refused to continue working the Union Company’s vessel Waiana were today ordered to complete the job. After hearing a statement by Mr R. E. Price, chairman of the Waterfront Control Commission, the men decided to complete work on the vessel. About half of a further 70 men who refused to start, work on the vessel on Saturday were ordered to work the Waiana when extra men are required later in the day. “The order to resume was decided upon to test whether the action of the men in ceasing work was the result of irresponsibility or a challenge to the authority of the Commission.” Mr Price said, after his arrival from Wellington. He said that he had had conferences with officials and had prepared a statement which was read to the men today. but the decision to resume did not absolve the men from liability for the breach committed and the position would be fully considered when the ship was completed. “Their failure to continue work on which they were engaged automatically removes their right to preference of employment, which can only be restored on such terms as the Commission decides," Mr Price added. “'The men who were engaged to replace the original gangs and refused to begin work are in the same position. The Commission has no intention of allowing its rrders to be disobeyed or its efforts frustrated by actions irresponsible or designed."