MOST MEN RETURN TO WORK

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25427, 25 February 1948, Page 6

MOST MEN RETURN TO WORK

FREEZING WORKERS AT AUCKLAND

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, February 24. Most of the mutton slaughtermen involved in the unofficial strike over wage increases at the Southdown and Westfield freezing works returned to work this morning. The men had previously decided to resume work unconditionally at the award rates of pay. ' The strike began on February 6, and was continued in opposition to the Auckland district executive of the Freezing Workers’ Union. “CREDIT DUE TO UNION ” MINISTER COMMENDS ACTION TAKEN (P.A.) WELLINGTON, February 24. Full credit was due to the national and district executives of the Freezing Workers’ Union for the stand which the union had taken in refusing to support the unconstitutional and wrecking tactics taken by a minority section of workers, said) the Minister of Labour (Mr A McLagan) to-day, commenting on the resumption of work at three Auckland freezing works, where for the last fortnight the killing of sheep and lambs has been suspended following the go-slow tactics adopted by the’ mutton slaughtermen.

Mr McLagan said it was pleasing to find that a large majority of freezing workers stood behind their union executive and refused to be drawn into a general stoppage of work in the freezing industry. The way was now clear, he said, for the resumption of negotiations between the parties for a new award.