FREEZING WORKERS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1931, Page 14

FREEZING WORKERS

DISPUTE OVER WAGES

Conciliation Council proceedings were held, yesterday before the Commissioner, Mr. P. Hally, in a dispute between the Wellington Freezing Workers' Union and the employers. In view oi: the uncertainty regarding tho effect of the Government's wage-reduction proposals, tho proceedings were adjourned. The union was represented by Messrs. A. J. Baker; A. M'Leod, and W. Gill. The employers' representatives were Messrs. J. E. Evans, H. E. Corner, and H. V. Sanderson.

The freezing companies applied mainly for reductions in the present rates for slaughtering and freezing work, and the union applied for increased wages and certain improvements in working conditions.

Mr. Hally 'said last evening that the parties substantially agreed to clauses fixed by an agreement made at Auckland in the same industry. With slight modifications in somo cases these clauses would prove acceptable to both employers and workers. On wages clauses no agreement could be reached. The result was that tho proceedings were adjourned until any powers given by legislation now under consideration by Parliament should operate.

'Mr. Hally said the parties would then meet in general conference or in a Dominion Conciliation Council, or in both. This decision was the best in the circumstances. The industry was important, but the parties could get no further until they had some idea of rhe powers to be conferred on the Arbitration Court.