WORKERS’ CLAIMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21607, 9 January 1945, Page 2

WORKERS’ CLAIMS

FREEZING INDUSTRY STATEMENT” EXPECTED Claims by the federated freezing workers’ unions for increases in wages and other conditions have been the subject of negotiations 'between the Government and representatives of the workers and the employers, and it is believed that an official pronouncement will be made within the next week-or so. All works in the Dominion are covered by the claims, which are for increased wages for all hands, payment. for travelling time and allowances, and a 40-hour week. They were put forward when the parties met in conference several, weeks before Christmas.

••Work is proceeding normally at the works," said the manager of the Gisborne Refrigerating Company, Limited, Mr. F. Tolerton, this morning. “We are in a happier position than most works,” he added, “and we are not faced with the same labour difficulties that are being experienced in other places.”

Production was normal at the freezing works in the Wanganui district yesterday. There was no sign of any go-slow policy. It is understood that a new agreement covering' a higher scale of wages has been reached between the workers and employers and has been confirmed by the Government. It is now to go before the Arbitration Court and the Stabilisation Commission. Workers at both the Imlay works. Wanganui and the works at Patea are awaiting approval of that agreement.—-P.A.