END OF DISPUTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23863, 14 January 1941, Page 81

END OF DISPUTE

COOL STORE HANDS

RE-ENGAGEMENT SOUGHT ATTITUDE OF COMBANY Applications for reinstatement in their former employment at the city cool stores of the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company, Limited, were made yesterday by about 50 of the 140 chamber-hands who were dismissed on Friday week for refusing to work on Sundays. The management stated yesterday afternoon that all applications had been rejected. The decision of the men to seek reengagemcnt individually was reached after they had been advised by the executive of the Auckland Freezing Workers' and Belated Trades Lnion that representations for their reinstatement had been unsuccessful. It was stated yesterday that, in view of this and the decision of the West field workers to take no action in support of the dismissed chamber-hands, the men had no option but to regard the dispute as closed. The general manager of the company, Mr. A. G. Brown, stated last evening that as far as the employers were concerned the issue closed when fresh hands were engaged at the cool stores. "The men forced us to fill their positions, as we had huge quantities of perishable produce awaiting handling." he added. The new hands wore giving satisfaction and were working very well. Slaughtering and allied operations were carried on normally and without interruption at the \VesUield and Southdown Ireezirig works yesterday. The interruptions last week due to si op work meetings had held up the output of meat considerably. The lamb season is now at its peak and upward of 1/5,000 iambs are being handled daily at the works in the province.