GO-SLOW TACTICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22608, 22 December 1936, Page 8

GO-SLOW TACTICS

FREEZING WORKERS PROTEST AGAINST AWARD PEAK OF LAMB SEASON HALF-DAY ALREADY LOST Nearly 500 workers engaged in the freezing industry in the Auckland district decided yesterday afternoon to "go slow" as a protest against the refcent Arbitration Court award of wages..and conditions for certain types of workers. After the mpeting, which was a fairly stormy one practically throughout the three hours it lasted, delegates from each section met to discuss the programme to be followed as from thii morning. All work at the Westfield and SoutV down freezing works ceased at midday yesterday to enable the men to air their grievances at the Trades Hall. No official statement as to the likely extent of the "go slow" tactics could be obtained from the men's representatives. The lamb season is almost at it« peak, and the loss of a half-day yesterday and the prospect of a slowing up in the chain processes is a serious matter for exporters. At this time of the year stock in large tallies is drafted into the works, and it is said the decision of the men may mean the dislocation of the industry, at least temporarily. If the men adhere to their decision the works will not be able to make up for the time lost yesterday afternoon, which means that when the works close on Thursday much fat stock will need to be held until next Monday. In addition, the works close again from the following Thursday, December 31, until Monday, January 4, which may result in a further piling-up of stock that in normal circumstances would be dealt with.