SMITHFIELD STRIKE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 111, 4 February 1936, Page 9

SMITHFIELD STRIKE

Men’s Sudden Decision LONDON MAY BE MEATLESS (Received February 4, 1.30 a.in.) London, February 3. Australian and' New Zealand meat will probably be affected/by a lightning strike at Smithfield, which was decided upon by 3000 shopmen shortly after midnight, owing to alleged delay by the Conciliation Board, which was established in December, to decide a wage dispute. The men claim a£4 minimum, a 44 hour week. and overtiihe pay. The strike has automatically stopped the work of 2000 meat porters, 500 cold storage men, and 2000 others. Pickets refused to allow meat to enter the markets'. and hundreds of vans waiting to receive or deliver meat filled the streets adjoining the markets. Monday is one of the busiest days, and 3000 tons of meat-are ordinarily handled. Australian meat circles recall that on the occasion of the last strike Smithfield statesmen themselves handled the carcases. This is at present impossible owing to picketing. The owners, after a midnight meeting were hopelessly divided. There is" danger of the strike spreading to dock-workers handling meat at the ship’s side, also railway employees transporting carcases to thc provinces, to which some importers are already, diverting supplies. If the strike continues the' whole of London will be meatless.