Decision Reserved On Nelson Works Dispute

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30073, 6 March 1963, Page 15

Decision Reserved On Nelson Works Dispute

(New Zealand Press Association)

NELSON, March 5. The men employed on the mutton and lamb slaughtering chain at the Stoke freezing works in the main did as much work, if not more, in all positions on the chain, in comparison with other works. This was the reply to allegations made earlier by the employers, made before the Arbitration Court in Nelson by Mr S. Arnst, who appeared for the Canterbury, Marlborough and Nelson Freezing Workers’ Union.

The Court was hearing evidence and submissions in a dispute between the Nelson Freezing Company, Ltd., and the union. Mr J. B. Watson represented the company. Mr Arnst, who called no evidence, said the union had been brought to the court by the employers, who were asking the court to adjudicate upon something they had already agreed upon, and this was the third season it had worked.

The union submitted that the present chain was working efficiently so that the company received its full quota of carcases and the men received a reasonable reward for a reasonable day’s work. In November, 1960, a meeting between the union and the management was held at which it was agreed that the daily kill be increased to 1530 to be bandied by a 17-man pool, killing 00 lambs and 80 sheep a man. It was further agreed that the chain be adequately balanced.

"When this unit was put into operation, and to balance

the chain, the company on its own volition made it a 21-man chain with a 17-man pool for payment purposes,” he said.

The employers proposed to have two more men on the present chain in the pool. “We realised that this would mean a reduction in takehome pay,” said Mr Arnst. They wanted to kill more stock to compensate for the extra men in the pool “We realised that this would mean the workers would be working harder and faster for the same money,” said Mr Arnst. The employers also wanted to work until 4.30 p.in. and kill more stock. The Court reserved its decision.