MEN LEAVE THEIR JOB

Evening Star, Issue 22796, 3 November 1937, Page 15

MEN LEAVE THEIR JOB

STOPPAGE AT FREEZING WORKS VICTIMISATION ALLEGED [Pua United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, November 2. Until the company consents to reengage a man, who, it is alleged, has been refused employment on account of his union activities last year, 100 men engaged at the King’s wharf works of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company Ltd. have ceased work. After protracted discussions throughout this afternoon, a small majority of the men concerned in the dispute decided on this action at a meeting" to-night. However, it is regarded as a sectional rather than a union question, and no other freezing works are affected. ' . Representatives of the men made it clear that the decision was based on the belief that the member _ of the union had been subjected to victimisation. It was explained that the worker in question had been a union delegate last year, and in the preceding three years had been a regular employee of the company. When work became slack last year he, with others, had been dismissed, but when business again increased he was not re-engaged. It was considered that a firm stand should be taken, as it was believed that other delegates who were appointed might be liable to the same fate. It is understood that the man whose cause the employees have taken up made endeavours to see the Minister of Labour (Mr Armstrong), hut without success. The motion to cease work was carried, it is understood, by 45 votes to 38. A categorical denial of the allegation of victimisation was given by Mr A. G. Brown, general manager of the company. He said the man concerned was not a regular employee, and had been given work only at intervals. He had been dismissed simply because hands were being reduced and the fact that he was a union delegate had no bearing on the matter. The company realised that the men must have officials connected with their unions, and it had no objection to any employee acting in this capacity. Mr Brown stated that be had informed the men when they decided to cease work that their wages would be available to-morrow morning, and the company was taking steps to engage other men in their places. “ They have not been dismissed; they have simply given up their jobs,” he added. Owing to the cessation of work, about 50 trucks of butter were left unloaded, and, instead of being placed in the freezing chambers, they were left in the wagons either within the works or in the railway yards.