FREEZING WORKERS

Evening Star, Issue 20943, 6 November 1931, Page 11

FREEZING WORKERS

DOMINION DISPUTE HEARD [Pee United Press Association,]. CHRISTCHURCH, November 6. As the result of the confei’ence suggested in the Arbitration Court yesterday, most of the points in dispute affecting the dominion freezing workers’ award have been settled, with the exception of the wages scale, arguments concerning which were heard by the court this morning. The representative of the Wellington Union objected to any , reduction in wages, and said that the freezing companies had no valid claim in that connection. Tho primary producers were certainly affected by the present depression, but the fall in world prices had come at tho end of a long spell of high prices, which had benefited the primary producers more than any other section of the community. ■

For the employers Mr Wilkin submitted that any demand by the unions for an increase in rates or for exemption fro mtho court’s recent general order could not be supported by any increase in the cost_ of living nor by any circumstances which had arisen since the last award was made; nor could the present time justify any claims for further restrictions in the conduct of iudnstry. The cost of living was down and a further decline was indicated. Tho industry was unable to sustain the present excessive wages.