Works staff threaten rolling stoppages

Press, 9 March 1984, Page 1

Works staff threaten rolling stoppages

PA Wanganui The Meat Workers’ Union has threatened national rolling stoppages in freezing works and export abattoirs unless a general wage order is announced.

The union’s secretary, Mr A. J. Kennedy, told the union’s annual conference in Wanganui yesterday that the stoppages would go ahead from March 19 unless:

• There was an immediate end to the wage freeze.

• A general wage increase from April 1. • The union was given the right to start negotia-

tions with employers for a new award.

“It is clear the Govern-ment-employer position in wage talks has been to ensure continuation of the wage freeze in spite of 28 meetings last year between the Federation of Labour, Government, and Employers’ Association,” Mr Kennedy said.

“The continuing frustration and disillusionment

with the inhibitive and restrictive measures of the Government and employers have at last exhausted patience and restraint.”

Mr Kennedy said the proposed action was not going beyond what the F.O.L. wanted and he did not think it would sabotage wage talks.

Strong action had to be taken because union members were disillusioned by the serious erosion of wages and conditions and the collusion between the Government and employers, he said.

“You could say workers have had a gun held at their heads and it is about time we had a change of stance.”

Other matters discussed at the four-day conference, which ended yesterday, and which was closed to the news media, were voluntary unionism, automation, and the need for union representation on the Meat Board.

More than 100 delegates and observers attended the conference.