FREEZING WORKERS FIND OTHER JOBS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29468, 21 March 1961, Page 21

FREEZING WORKERS FIND OTHER JOBS

• Freezing workers in Canterbury are leaving their jobs because they are able to earn more in other industries. This results from short time at the freezing works. Although the position varies from shed to shed, a large number of workers at all sheds are receiving only the guaranteed minimum weekly wage.

Because of an early fall in stock tallies. the freezing companies dismissed a certain number of workers during the last month or two. but are now unwilling to take any further steps to reduce staff in case there is a renewed peak demand for killing later in the season. Nevertheless, in view of the present slackness they are not in general replacing the men who are leaving. Some of the workers are voluntarily taking up outside employment at a wage not very different from, or even lower than, their earnings at the freezing works, as many believe there may not be the same employment opportunities when the killing season ends in June. The secretary of the Canterbury Freezing Workers' Union (Mr T. Handisides), asked to comment on the position, said it was most unfortunate, as a coonsiderable part of the season’s kill was still to be handled. “It does look as if some difficulty may be experienced before the season

closes in handling the stock offering,’ ’ Mr Handisides said.

“This is not attributable in any way to the size of the killing quota in the district, but to the farmers withholding stock. This has made it necessary for the freezing companies to reduce staff. "At the moment, employment outside the industry can and will be obtained by all the men leaving or being put off, but what will happen when the season finishes, with all these jobs already filled?” Bumside Dispute Discussions in Dunedin on Thursday between employers’ and union representatives in the Bumside freezing works dispute were adjourned after three and ahalf hours with no agreement reached. The meeting was presided over by the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr S. W. Armstrong). No date was given for the resumption of the discussions on the dispute, -which was over the refusal of the company to re-engage a certain number of former employees.