TIMBER WORKERS’ DISPUTE

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24536, 9 April 1945, Page 6

TIMBER WORKERS’ DISPUTE

STOP-WORK MEETINGS ON WEST COAST From Our Own Reporter GREYMOUTH, April 8. Five stop-work meetings similar to those held earlier in other areas were held by members of the . Westland Timber Workers’ Union in areas south of Kumara to discuss working conditions in the industry. About 11 mills were dosed for the day. Approximately 250 workers were involved and about 90 per cent, of them attended the meetings in their respective groups. The largest group was at Hokitika, where more thap 120 men attended the meeting. At each meeting a resolution was carried instructing the executive of the union to secure a new agreement. To avoid any industrial trouble, it was agreed that the employers be given until April 24 to complete an agreement satisfactory to the union delegates. Similar meetings were held at Ngahere. Ahaura. and Ikamatua. Twelve mills were closed for the day. About 175 workers were involyed. According to union officials, of nearly 700 men at the meetings, only four men voted against the resolution. Further mills will close down tomorrow. when other meetings will be held.

The union executive, in a statement yesterday, said that the door was still onen for a settlement of the disoute No body of workers could have been more tolerant or conciliatory than_ the limber workers, and the responsibility for any trouble that micht result could be placed only on the shoulders of the employers.