WEIGHT OF COAL IN SACKS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24052, 14 September 1943, Page 4

WEIGHT OF COAL IN SACKS

DISPUTE ARISES AT AUCKLAND DRIVERS SEEK REDUCTION (P.A.) AUCKLAND, September 13. A dispute has arisen between the Retail Coal Dealers’ Association and the Auckland Drivers’ Union regarding the weight of coal in sacks carried by employees. Members of the union consider that the weight they are called upon to carry is beyond their physical capacity. Last June an endeavour was made by the union to induce the employers to reduce the weight of a sack of coal from 190 pounds to 140 pounds, but no agreement was reached. It was pointed put to the employers that the union and the Manpower Officer had experienced great difficulty in providing suitable labour for the industry. A statement issued by the union today said that the, employers had not appreciated the fact that the men distributing coal were unfit for military service for physical reasons, and consequently were unable to carry excessive weights. The industry was essential, and men were forced by the regulations to remain in it, and do their best, but drivers had now refused to deliver coal in sack loads exceeding 1401b. The employers had declared their unwillingness to reduce the weight of sacks. Consequently a deadlock had developed. The union contended that smaller sacks would result in coal being better distributed to consumers during the present shortage. A special general meeting of drivers has been called for Wednesday to discuss the position. Meanwhile the Minister of Labour is expected to intervene in an effort to settle the dispute.