DISPUTE AT WORKS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30125, 8 May 1963, Page 17

DISPUTE AT WORKS

Discussions With F.O.L (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 7. The president of the Auckland Trades Council, Mr T. E Skinner, will discuss the Auckland freezing workers’ dispute with union leaders and employers tomorrow, after a request by the Freezing Workers’ Union that the Federation of Labour handle the settlement. The 182 men affected at the Southdown works of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company held a meeting this morning and were told not to go back' to work until advised to do so by the union.

The Federation of Labour is also handling the cutting-* room dispute at Westfield.

Mr R. McKenzie, secretary of the union, has written to the Auckland Trades Council saying the dispute could affect all Auckland freezing works.

“Action by the company could now affect the complete works complement of 800 men’’ he said. Mr McKenzie said the trouble started when it was learnt that boners at Southdown were being paid 10s 2Jd an hour for an Average hourly production of four quarters. At Westfield boners receive the same rate for two quarters an hour. At the nearby R. and W. Hellaby’s works, the rate was 18s to £1 for five to six quarters an hour. Mr L. W. Lane, industrial officer tor the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company, said today the men could resume work immediately if they agrefed .to the rate of production they had worked prior to April 10, when the first' dispute arose.