WESTFIELD WORKS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10510, 14 February 1928, Page 5

WESTFIELD WORKS.

CLOSED DOWN ON ACCOUNT OF DISPUTE

WAS A SHEEP A “STAG?”

(Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 13

Arising out of a difference of opinion regarding the classification ot a sheep, and the payment to he made for killing it, a dispute at Westfield freezing works reached a climax tills morning and about 250 men were paid off The deadlock continued throughout the day. The men will meet tomorrow to discuss the situation. Explaining the position, Mr it. D. Rogers, general manager ior W. and RJ. Fletcher (N.Z.) Ltd., managing agents for the Westfield Freezing Co. said that, on Friday, the question of classification of one sheep arose, it Was contended the animal was a “stag” and that double pay should be given. The award provided that, in such a dispute, the butcher’s decision should be final. The men would not accept that decision, whereupon the management went further by offering to let the Government veterinarian decide the question. Like the foreman butcher, the veterinarian was of the opinion the animal did not come under the designation of a. “stag, the men did not agree to accept the decision of either of these ' gentlemen, and immediately adopted a. “go-slow policy, which was continued throughout the remainder of the day, on baturda.y and up to this morning. Mr , Rogers said the works manager offered this morning to call in the disputes committee, provided for m the award to arbitrate on. the matter but he intimated that, in the meantime, work would have to he continued under normal conditions, otherwise the works would he closed, iliac offer was not acceptable to the men, with the result that they were paid off after the “smoko” this morning. “The action of a few butchers had resulted in the necessity for paying off the supporting labor, represent, ing, in all, about 250 men”, said Mr Rogers. The remainder, totalling about 50, would have to go it the trouble were of. any duration. : An invitation to discuss the situation from the men’s point or View was declined by Mr W. b. Sill, secretary of the Bu’tchqrsi' and Slaughtermen's Union. “This dispute Is on all right, but I lia:ve nothing to say was his only comment.