TRANSFER OF GIRL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 83, 8 April 1943, Page 6

TRANSFER OF GIRL

DISPUTE AT WORKS WESTFIELD casing sheds Thirty-three girls employed in the casing sheds at the Westfield freezing works ceased Avork last Friday Avfien another girl, a skilled calibrater, Avas transferred to the casing department from the cannery. The girls Avere still out of Avork to-day. The girl's consent had been obtained, but all the other girls, except about seven, objected to her transfer and stopped Avork as a protest. They requested the management to AvithdraAv the girl, Avho had formerly been engaged in the casing department, but Avas transferred to the cannery about seven months ago because of friction between her and the other hands.

After negotiations betAveen the girls, the union officials and the management had failed, the dispute was discussed at a mass meeting yesterday of about 800 of the 2000 employees. A vote taken resulted in over 400 endorsing the attitude of the girls in refusing to Avork, Avhile 300 were opposed to a cessation of Avork.

The dispute had been investigated by union officials and the Wages Commissioner, Mr. C. L. Hunter, stated an official of the company, Avho had considered the girls Avere Avrong and had unsuccessfully attempted to induce them to return to work. He said four new girls had been taken on since the dispute started.