Hull port dispute hearing adjourned
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• The hearing of a dispute over instructions given to members of the Transport and General Workers' Union working in the port of Hull relating to a change in the practice of handling goods on the quay was adjourned in the High Court on Tuesday after the union agreed not to implement the instructions pending negotiations with employers.
It was stated that the adjournment was without prejudice to either side in the proceedings, which had been brought by two stevedoring companies, Hull and Humber Cargo Handling Co. Ltd, and Ellerman's Wilson Line Ltd. Alleging that the instructions were causing them substantial loss, they had sought interlocutory orders against the union and three of its officers, including the general secretary, Mr Jack Jones.
The companies asked Mr Justice Brightman to direct the union and its 3fficers to withdraw the instructions, which barred loading of trailers or stillages without the driving unit being under them if they were going directly off the dock.
The instructions also provided that any movement of cargo from ships to the car parks or to any part of the dock estate, other than storage areas where off-loading took place, must be done by registered dock workers.
Notice of the change of practice was given on November 8, 1971, in a letter from Mr Brian Barker, regional docks and waterways ofticer of the union, to Mr D. Myers, secretary of the Hull Joint Port Working Committee.
On Tuesday, on the seventh day of the hearing, Mr Alan Campbell, QC, for the companies, said it had been agreed that the letter to Mr Myers be suspended and not implemented pending conclusion of negotiations between the union and the companies on the issues of attendants and shuttling at Hull Docks.