FREEZING TRADE WORKERS

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 98, 28 April 1919, Page 4

FREEZING TRADE WORKERS

A DEFINITE AGREEMENT.

CUT TBLBaRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

CHRISTCHURCH, 26th April. It is announced in Christchurch that negotiations between the Associated Meat Companies of New Zealand and the New Zealand Freezing Works and Related Trades Industrial Association of Workers have resulted in a definite agreement as to wages and general conditions. The departments affected cover the whole of the companies' employees except engineers and other trades. Although the old awards have not in some cases expired, the agreement as regards wages takes effect as from Ist April last. The alterations in wages and general conditions mean a substantial.improvement to the workers, particularly to lower-paid workers.

The new agreement has been made for two years, and will come into force as regards general conditions on 31st August, 1919. On making inquiries from representatives of the workers, it was ascertained that the manner in which they were met has given satisfaction, and that the negotiations were characterised by the best of feelings on both sides. The following firms in Canterbury are bound by the agreement:—New Zealand Refrigerating Company, Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Thomas Borthwick and Sons, and the North Canterbury Sheepfarmers Co-operative Freezing, Export, and Agency Company.