Compulsory Talks In Dairy Dispute

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28776, 23 December 1958, Page 12

Compulsory Talks In Dairy Dispute

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 22.

A compulsory conference to discuss the New Zealand dairy factory workers’ dispute is to be called early next month by the Minister of Labour (Mr Hackett). This was announced today by Mr Hackett.

The Minister said that the Government was greatly disturbed at the threatened stoppage of work in dairy factories throughout New Zealand, particularly as the New Zealand Dairy Factory Workers’ Union had not yet filed claims for a new award and had completely ignored the proper procedure of conciliation and arbitration.

“I have discussed the whole matter with my colleagues at the Cabinet meeting this morning,” said Mr Hackett, “and in view of the importance in the national interest of avoiding serious loss of dairy products I have now decided to call a compulsory conference early in the New Year to discuss the whole dispute at a date that is suitable to both parties.”

Mr Hackett said that he had sent a telegram to the secretary of the workers’ union (Mr S. Wheatley) to that effect, and also to the representatives of the employers. He had also advised the workers’ union to file its claims for a new award without delay. The holding of this compulsory conference, said the Minister, would, of course, be on the distinct understanding that all threats of a stoppage of work by dairy factory employees would be immediately called off.

Mr P. J. Luxford, representing the employers, said today that the employers would accept the invitation to attend a compulsory conference early next year, subject to the Minister’s requirements being accepted by the union. The Federation of Labour had not discussed the strike action proposed by the Dairy Factory Workers’ Union, said the federation’s president (Mr F. P. Walsh) today. He was aware of the Minister’s proposal for a compulsory conference.