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THE SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE.

BURNSIDE MEN RESUME WtiRK. A dozen of tho eighteen butchers employed at tho Burnside Freezing Works started work again, tliis morning. They hold a meeting on Saturday, at which apparently this course was decided upon. Tho employers made no further offer, and it is understood that the men, in taking up their duties again, accept the terms offered by tho company some days ago. FROM THE WORKERS’ STANDPOINT. A gentleman who has been connected with the trade for some years, and who by reason of his position is likely to know what the men's point of view is, giveo ns a few of his impressions. Ho says: Tho whole thing that brought on tho trouble was the delay of tho Court in considering disputes. Everybody connected with tho trade saw this coming for over a year. There is no doubt that the men will not give way. Gradually, because of a number of smaller grievances, they have been getting more and more incensed, and now that they are out they will hold out for their terms. The present position affects tho employer, laborer, dealer, and grower. Tho fight is between the two former, but surely the latter should have a say! I have spoken to several raisers of stock, and they were quite prepared to pay the additional price to have the stock killed. Every day tho stock stand in tho yards their value depreciates to the extent of from 6d to Is per lie ad, and by paying tho additional rate of a little over J.d per head they can get them disposed of at once. But for tho recent rain and the consequent available feed the position would ha Vo been so serious that a settlement would have been arrived at immediately. In my opinion it would be far better that the workers and tire companies interested in tho export and frozen meat trade should meet and discuss tho question. From my knowledge of tho position I am certain that tho exporters are willing to pay a fair rate of Wages, and have to fault to find with tho prices asked for. As one exporter says, tho seasons have been good lately, stock-raisers have done well, and they should not object to the workers participating in the good time. In regard to the Hon. Sir Millar's statement that tho trouble originated with the Australians, I deny that. The whole .of the officials and those who have taken principal parts in the proceedings are New Zealanders. Many may have gone to Australia, worked there, and returned, but the principals arc all New Zealand-born men. The whole trouble has been tho delays of the Court. There was tho MUburn Lime and Ooment Company dispute. The ease did not come on for twelve months after the time that tho citation was issued. Then objection was taken that it was unfair to bind the Milbum works without bringing in tho others. So -the whole of the works in Otago and Southland had to be organised at a cost of over £IOO. And then when tho Court sat twelve months later the award they gave put tho men in a worse position. The workers in that union at any rate lost confidence in the Court. —Solution of tho Trouble.— The solution of tho trouble is profitsharing, The men should have some interest in the industry. That a fair return should bo secured to tho capitalist is generally recognised. He should bo guaranteed a certain percentage on his money invested, with a sinking fund to cover all depreciation or renewal of plant. The workers should receive a living wage (according to the state of trade, etc.) and a bonus of profits. ' This would give them a keen interest in tho welfare of tho company, and ensure that good men would stick to their positions. „ SATISFACTORY WORK. CHRISTCHURCH, March 4. Tho inspector of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals visited Belfast to-day to watch the methods of tho amateur slaughtermen. Ho found that tho work done was amateurish in oases, but was satisfactory generally, and without the infliction of needless suffering to the animate. Experienced men have been appointed to oversee and instruct the new hands where needful. CONFERENCES AT CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, March 4. There is no change in tho position of the strike. Tho delegates appointed by the men at Saturday evening’s meeting are today going into the details of the men’s demand. Tho companies report that so far as they are concerned nothing has transpired. ‘The unions now properly constituted, is in working order, tho officers meeting and conferring. SLAUGHTERMEN’S WAGES. AUCKLAND, March 4. A largely-attended meeting of slaughtermen approved of a log providing fat increased pay and the betterment generally of the conditions of labor. The details are not to be available until the - log is jrabnnttedtothoemployets.

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19070304.2.28

Bibliographic details

Evening Star, Issue 12061, 4 March 1907, Page 4

Word Count
811

THE SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE. Evening Star, Issue 12061, 4 March 1907, Page 4

THE SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE. Evening Star, Issue 12061, 4 March 1907, Page 4

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