WEIGHT OF SACKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 64, 13 September 1943, Page 6

WEIGHT OF SACKS

AUCKLAND COAL DISPUTE

P.A. AUCKLAND, This Day. A dispute has arisen between the Retail Coal Dealers' Association and the Auckland Drivers' Union regarding the weight of coal in sacks, carried by employees. : , •

Members of the union consider that the weight they are called upon to carry is beyond their physical capacity. Last June an endeavour " was made by the union to induce employers to reduce the weight of a sack of coal from 190 pounds to 140 pounds, but no agreement was reached. It was stated by the union today that employers had not appreciated the fact that men distributing coal were unfit for military service for physical reasons and consequently were unable to carry excessive weights. The industry was essential and the men were forced by regulations to remain in it and do their best, but drivers had now refused to deliver coal in sack loads exceeding 140 pounds. The employers had declared their unwillingness to reduce the weight of the sacks and consequently a deadlock had developed. The union contended that smaller sacks would result in coal being better distributed to consumers during the present shortage.

A special general meeting of drivers has been called for Wednesday to discuss the matter. In the meantime the Minister of Labour is expected to intervene in an effort to settle the dispute.