Quota System At Works Unchanged

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29844, 9 June 1962, Page 10

Quota System At Works Unchanged

Whether killing quotas should continue or be abolished at freezing works in the Canterbury Freezing Workers’ Union's industrial district —the only area where they operate—was discussed at a round-table discussion yesterday by representatives of the South Island Freezing Companies’ Association, the union and the North Canterbury executive of Federated Farmers

“No agreement or conclusions were reached It was not really expected that any agreement would be reached.” said the Conciliation Commissioner tn Christchurch (Mr S W Armstrong). who presided at the meeting, held at the request of the Minister of Labour Mr Shand) The conference had been well worthwhile in that it had cleared the air and made both sides' views on the issue plain. Mr Armstrong said. “It is very possible that I will call the oarties together again within a few weeks.” Mr Armstrong said The conference was not open to the newspapers The union’s view has been publicly stated on previous occasions It will agree to the abolition of killing quotas only if the freezing companies will guarantee a minimum 40-hour-week over a minimum of four months The freezing companies say the quotas are unnecessary and should be abolished.

Yesterday's conference was

the first time that Federated Fanners had been represented at a meeting between union and freezing companies’ representatives on the question

The freezing companies' representatives have twice previously submitted to Mr Shand that killing quotas in Canterbury should be abolished or, alternatively, that they should be raised so that the full output capacity of the works can be used

In the last two years, particularly, Federated Farmers’ representatives have urged that the full capacity of the works should be used, particularly at the peak of the season and in times of drought

The union says that now more than ever, killing quotas are necessary in the interests of the workers, particularly the skilled workers, such as butchers The uniqp claims that a short season would lead to butchers and other skilled workers on the killing chains seeking permanent employment elsewhere if the season was shortened

The freezing companies say in recent years the ;eason has become longer and longer

At the next meeting of the parties ft is probable that the killing arrangements for next season will be discussed m detail and an agreement reached if it becomes obvious that there can be no agreement on conditions under which quotas could be abolished. .