‘Irresponsible’ rolling strikes

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34138, 27 April 1976, Page 1

‘Irresponsible’ rolling strikes

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. April 26. Freezing workers’ unions have been slated for their “irresponsible action in holding rolling stoppages” in seven works and aggravating a serious stock situation. In his criticism the executive director of the Freezing Companies’ Association (Mr P. D. Blomfield) singled out the South Island unions because of the drought situation there. The stoppages were .the

subject of a special meeting today of representatives of the association, Federated Farmers, the Meat Board, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The association will also take the matter to the Minister of Labour (Mr Gordon) and the Minister fit Agriculture (Mr Maclntyre). “We need co-operation and responsible action from the unions and not the present series of apparently planned rolling stoppages,” Mr Blomfield said. It was particularly disappointing that the stoppages were occurring • on the day that a committee of inquiry into mutton slaughtermen’s wages was sitting in Wellington. Two union lead-

ers were sitting on this inquiry and at the same time were discussing rolling strikes with their members. It seemed pointless for unions to have rolling stoppages over a matter of “mere procedure” which was to come before the Industrial Court on May 5, Mr Blomfield said. He expected a decision on this matter before the conciliation proceedings set down for May 18 and 19 so that both parties would then have the opportunity of meeting to resolve it. In fact, an earlier meeting could be held, provided that claims by both sides were covered. The association was very conscious of the problems

facing farmers in drought areas in getting their stock killed, and farmers in such areas were being given a bigger share of the killing space than others. Given time, some relaxation in storage through early shipments overseas, and no industrial problems, the killing situation, particularly in the South Island, would be righted, he said. Most companies in the South Island, where the drought was most severe, should finish the season by mid-June. This should allow most farmers to clear their stock. (Freezing works unable to handle kill. Page 4.