P.M. in meat talks

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 4

P.M. in meat talks

PA Wellington I The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) has cast his net beyond the traditional representatives of the freezing companies in an effort to reduce the “suspicion and antagonism” in the industry. ; Negotiations are usually [conducted on behalf of the I companies by the executive [director of the Freezing Companies’ Association (Mr P. D. Blomfield). But Mr Muldoon met the chairman and directors of the companies’ boards in his office yesterday. He said later that he had called the meeting because "I wanted to say to them that in my view the companies and the unions have been too far apart and en-

i gaged in what is realb a mutual antagonism in their • negotiations in the last year. : “1 felt the directors as distinct from the managements , should take a .closer interest ’ in the day-to-day operations of the industry and a closer interest in what happens between now and the start of the new season.” Mr Muldoon indicated that the main reason for the [ meeting had been to prepare the ground for talks on a new award covering the industry which are due to start next month.