TEMPORARY STAFF

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20819, 1 June 1939, Page 10

TEMPORARY STAFF

EMPLOYEES OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES OF ASSOCIATION From inquiries marie in Hamilton today it is apparent that the recent activity in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in connection with the New Zealand Association of Temporary Public Servants Incorporated is to be not only continued but much increased. This association, a corporate body, was formed in 1936 for the purpose of protecting and fostering the interests of all temporary employees of the State, it was stated, but, shortly after Ihe association was established it was decided to suspend operations to allow the Public Service Association the opportunity of making representations on behalf of ihe “temporaries.” The latter body, it .is alleged, has not made the progress expected, and for that reason it has been decided to revive the Temporary Servants’ Association in order that a more determined effort might be made. Attempts to Frustrate There have been several attempts, it is alleged, to frustrate the efforts of those responsible for the organising of the temporary employees, and this was evident immediately before the holding of a meeting in Wellington last week. Mr H. J. Underwood, secretary of the New Zealand Association of Temporary Public Servants, made the following statement to a Wellington newspaper reported: “An effort is being made to intimidate temporary State employees from attending Monday’s meeting. Many of those who are actively engaged in organising the meeting have received a notice from the Public Service Association which states that the Public Service Commissioner has advised the association that he will not grant recognition to any association of temporary employees, and any representations from the service will require to be made through the Public Service Association, which is the sole channel of communication on general questions affecting all officers under his control, whether permanent or temporary.” This notice, Mr Underwood stated, has been placed on the notice boards of most departments, and if. is apparent that officials of the Public Service Association are aware that the arrangement by which temporary public servants have paid membership fees without receiving salary improvements is now doomed.” Despite this, the meeting which had been called for May 22, was held and, according to reports, it was a most successful meeting, and enrolments and inquiries are both numerous and continuous. Obstacles to be Met When questioned regarding the commissioner’s statement referring to non-recognition, the informant expressed the opinion that it should have been expected. He stated that the commissioner and the executive of the Public Service Association would undoubtedly place obstacles in the way, but with anything worthwhile there were always obstacles which had to be overcome, and these would be met as they arose. He also said that it was only by co-operation that success could be achieved, and those responsible for the local organising were confident of success.