THE SLAUGHTERMEN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8363, 25 February 1913, Page 8

THE SLAUGHTERMEN

“SLOW STROKE” METHODS. POSITION AT THE GEAR WORKS. Applications for “hooks” ar© being received by the manager of the slaughter-house at the Gear works, Petonej daily. A large number of the applicants ar© men who hay© not had previous experience at killing sheep, and as more learners are not required, preference is given to those who can us© the knife. Yesterday morning ten more butchers were given positions on the “board.” The term “slow stroke” is applied to employees who do not desire to strike op©nly, but in order to gain their object (dismissal), work as slow as possible, and thereby cause other employees in other parts of the works, and who ar© dependent upon the output to keep them fully employed, to remain partially idle. It is stated that the nineteen slaughtermen paid off on Saturday for indulging in the alleged “slow stroke” were all members of the union, and all of the men discharged are said to be capable of working on a tally. The officials of the Gear Company were not aware that these men were slaughterme'n from other centres. The question of a man being a unionist or free labourer is not considered, but after being engaged, and proving that he is sufficiently advanced to work on a tally, he is informed and given the task. A number of men arrived by train yesterday morning, carrying their kits. Most of these entered the works in a body, but two who brought up the rear were subjected to some abuse from a knot of out-of-work slaughtermen who stood at the gate. The word “scab” was applied to these two workers. There is great discontent among the men oult of work, and, they do not relish the position they are placed in. A. number of slaughtermen were advised to apply for “hooks” in a distant shed, only to find when they arrived at their destination that their services were not required." These men are now back at Petone. A beef butcher, who for seasons past found no difficulty in earning between £8 and £9 per week during the six months season, has secured employment at excavation work at 9s per day, and several other competent butchers are similarly employed. The position is getting more serious, and there is less likelihdod of an amicable settlement being reached as the weeks go by. A forward move is expected on the part of the union executive by the slaughtermen, and developments may be looked for towards the end of the. week. NGAHAURANGA. At Ngahauranga less than sixty slaughtermen are turning out 2000 sheep per day in a very satisfactory state. Yesterday a gang of butchers treated 25 bodies of beef. “PUTTING THEIR TEETH ON EDGE.” Regarding the action of the Gear Meat Company in putting off a number of slaughtermen at Petone on Saturday who word members of the federation, Mr M. J. Reardon informed a “Times” reporter yesterday that it would mean the men would be more decided than ever in adhering to their demands. The federation had a good insight into the working of the “free” labourers and were better pleased than ever with the new position. The action of the Gear Meat Company would only tend to put the men’s teeth on edge. In reply to a question, Mr Reardon said that the Canterbury slaughtermen had abandoned the idea of accepting 27s 6d.