Deadlock Reached In Oyster Dispute

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29760, 1 March 1962, Page 12

Deadlock Reached In Oyster Dispute

(New Zealand Press Association)

INVERCARGILL, Feb. 28. The Bluff oyster dispute was still unsettled after a meeting between merchants and the executive of the Oystermen’s Union today.

The merchants made three alternative offers to the

union, all of which were rejected. The merchants have now Labour (Mr Shand) to refer ssked the Minister of the dispute to a conciliation commissioner or a labour dispute committee. In a statement tonight, the merchants said they had offered to renew last season’s agreement or to take the case to the Arbitration Court for determination but the union had refused to submit the dispute to arbitration. The merchants then said the matter could be referred to an independent arbitrator whose decision would be final but the men also refused this offer. “The merchants are anxious to determine the dispute and get the industry operating.” the statement said. “With this object in view, a letter has been sent to the Minister of Labour suggesting a solution of the deadlock. This letter was read to the executive of the union. “The merchants consider that, taking into account the present economic position, an increase in wages is unjustified. However, if an increase in wages is to be granted, the merchants feel that they should not be the persons who consent to increased costs to the consuming public.” The oystermen’s claims are:

An additional 2d a sack per man.

An increase of clothing allowance from £l5 a season to £2O. or £2 10s a month instead of £1 17s 6d a month

An increase in the amount payable to bed-hands from £l5 15s 7d for leading hands to £l6 10s 7d, and tor assistants from £l5 5s 7d to £l5 15s 7d

An increase in hourly rates during the season from 7s 6d an hour to 8s an hour, the same rate of 8s to be paid in the off-season.