MEAT WORKS DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 226, 20 June 1936, Page 14

MEAT WORKS DISPUTE

Definition of ‘ Scope of Preference Clause

Au interpretation of the new preference clause in awards was given at the hearing of the freezing industry dispute in the Conciliation Council iu Wellington yesterday, by the Commissioner, Mr. M. J. Reardon. The representatives of the employers stated that there was a general impression that on the wording of the law everybody in an industry, from the general manager of a firm downward, must become members of the union, if there was au award in that industry. The reprnsentatives of the employees stated that they were anxious to secure a definition of the law, particularly uh to how far foremen and other executive officers came within its scope. The Commissioner stated that the interpretation suggested was an entirely erroneous one and that unless a man was doing work actually provided for in au award or agreement the law did not require that he should become a member of the union. Tiie Freezing Works nnd, Related Trades Association of Workers are seeking a new award with some increases in rates of pay, and a 40-hour week. Tbe application is opposed by the employers, whose counter-proposals include the granting of an increase of 5 per cent, on the rates of pay as set out in the present industrial agreement, subject to the conditions of work remaining the same as in the present agreement. Every phase of the freezing industrc is covered in the workers’ claims, and this involves the consideration of a multitude of details connected with tbe work done at the various freezing works throughout the Dominion. The proceedings are being concducted in committee. Much of the time of tbe council yea terday was taken up in discussing detail matters. A new phase ha« been introduced into negotiations this year by tbe establishment of the chain system, with entirely new conditions, into many works in different parts of New Zealand. Thu discussion ind'ented that the'system had not yet settled into clear-cut general lines which applied uniformly throughout all works. It revealed that in some works the chain system operated in way. l differing materially from those followed in others. The hope, was expr««ed that it would be possible to work out a system which will bo satisfactory to both parties. The council will probably sit all day jto-day. ' ' '•' ‘