Overtime Ban By Freezing Workers

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29102, 14 January 1960, Page 8

Overtime Ban By Freezing Workers

No overtime will be accepted by members of the New Zealand Freezing Workers’ Association, according to information received yesterday by Mr A. B. Grant, of Christchurch.

Mr Grant, who is national president of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, said his ■ union had put a ban on the rail movement of stock which might be transferred for killing by freezing companies from one works to another, with the object of circumventing the freezing workers’ overtime decision.

A telegram sent by Mr Grant to all branches of the A.S.R.S. said: "I am advised by the Federation of Labour that the freezing workers’ unions have decided not to work overtime. This decision has the approval of the national executive of the Federation of Labour. As president of the i A.S.R.S. I have been asked to make clear our attitude. “It is possible that the manage- i ment of the freezing industry may i try to rail stock for killing from i one district to another. “Therefore, I have advised the ; F.O.L. that as a democratic organisation affiliated to the F.0.L., i

the A.S.R.S. will do exactly what the F.O.L. requires of our members.” Mr Grant was asked if his telegram was meant to conyay that shunters and guards would refuse to handle waggons containing livestock consigned on transfer from one works to another for killing. “Yes,” he replied. To a further question, Mr Grant said that as far as he knew no attempt had yet been made by managements to transfer stock. “But if an attempt is made to avoid the decision of the freezing workers, railwaymen will not work such stock,” he said. f