FREEZING WORKERS

Grey River Argus, 7 November 1931, Page 5

FREEZING WORKERS

BOSSES’ PLEA. FOR MORE WAGE CUTS. (Per Pres? Association). CHRISTCHURCH, November 6. In the freezing works case, before the Arbitration Court. Mr Wilkin, for the employers, submitted that any demand by the Unions for an increase in rates, or for exemption from the court’s general wage reduction order could not be supported by any increase in the cost of living, nor by any cir cumstanees which had arisen since the last award was made, nor could the present time justify any claims for fur- < ther restrictions in the conduct of industry. Factors which warranted a change were those which, employers claimed, should influence the Court in the direction of a reduction in the present standard rates of pay and the removal of restrictive clauses in the award. The industry was unable to sustain the present excessive wages. The reduction of ten per cent, made in the wages had not yet shown any paiticnlaT benefit to the industry. Any able-bodied man with an aptitude, after serving a few months as a learner. could become a competent mutton slaughterman, and earn £8 tO'£lo weekly. He dealt in detail with the union’s claims, and evidence was called. Decision was reserved.