Freezing Works Dispute Settled

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 42, 19 February 1938, Page 7

Freezing Works Dispute Settled

WORK TO RESUME TO-DAY Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. A settlement was reached this afternoon of the dispute at the Belfast works of Thomas Borthwick and Bons (Australasia) Ltd., and work will be resumed to-morrow morning. An undertaking has now been given that work shall proceed smoothly and that, in future, any matters in dispute shall be first referred to a committee to deal with. This committee will comprise representatives of the company, and on the part of the men it will include representation from the Federation of Labour. An undertaking was also given concerning the company's? rights in the regulation of the speed of chains in terms of the award. The settlement was reached at a conference lasting live hours, the chairman being Mr. M. J. Reardon, the Wellington Conciliation Commissioner, whose assistance and handling of tho discussion were later praised by both sides.

The usual call for labour was made at Belfast this morning, and in accord with the decision of the union at its meeting last night, the two men whom the union alleged had been victimised were the first to ahswer. They were not accepted, and the men again resolved not to resume work.

After the men declined to answer the call for labour, a meeting was held. It lasted half-an-hour, and a motion was carried expressing confidence in the two men.

An official statement issued by the conference and embodying the terms of the settlement, contained no reference to the two men or to the charges made by the union.