THE SMITHFIELD STRIKE

Northern Advocate, 5 February 1936, Page 5

THE SMITHFIELD STRIKE

WHARF LABOURERS CALLED OUT (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, February 4. In connection wiljh the strike at Smithfleld markets, pickets at 3 a.m. today visited some of the riverside wharves where meat was being unloaded for Smithfield and persuaded the dock labourers to cease workv They did not interfere with the wharves where unloading of supplies for smaller markets outside London was in progress.

Smithfleld was strongly picketed all night to prevent the arrivals of meat. Extra policemen have been drafted in the strike area. Meetings -of the employers’ and strikers’ representatives with conciliation officials of the Ministry of Labour were held yesterday.

The strike committee, however, claims that the men employed in cold stores and on wharves declared themselves unwilling to handle the meat. The decision does not affect butter and other perishable goods.

The men further aver that it is no use pursuing talks, which have proceeded fruitlessly for eight months. “Most of the employers sympathise with us. We will not be intimidated by the others,” they state.

The effects of the strike are being felt at Southampton, where it was decided to leave 1400 tons of Argentine chilled meat aboard the Algantara, which arrived on February 3. The employers state that supplies of meat are ample for some days. Prices are not expected to rise, but it is generally believed that retail supplies will decrease on February 6. Smithfield was again peacefully picketed all night. The strike so far has not affected the prices of New Zealand and Australian meat. The provinces and Dominion meat circles anticipate an early settlement.