THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8366, 28 February 1913, Page 7

THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

STRIKE ABANDONED DECISION OF THE CANTERBURY UNION. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, February 27. The Slaughtermen’s Union held a full meeting yesterday afternoon, but the reporters were informed that there was absolutely nothing for publication. Evidently, however, the result of the mooting was communicated to other centres, and to-day unionists were pressed to state whether or not it had heen decided to return to work. It is now stated that the union has agreed to abandon the strike and has left members free to apply for work. The position taken up by the companies is that tho strikers will bo employed as opportunity offers. This is interpreted to mean that free labourers who aro export will bo retained, that tho inexpert will bo found employment in other departments at the factories, and that the bulk of the strikers will be taken back. Tho companies will ho able to bar unionists who took a loading part in promoting the strike. RETURN TO WORK ON MONDAY. Mr M. J. Reardon received word from Christchurch yesterday that Canterbury men would return to work on Monday. Ho pointed out that the men at a secret ballot recently refused to accept 27s 6d per hundred by a majority of five to one, and now they had accepted it. WELLINGTON MEN MEET. NO INFORMATION AS TO THEIR INTENTIONS. A meeting of the Wellington Slaughtermen’s Union was held last evening, but no information was available for the press. POSITION AT LOCAL WORKS. PLENTY OF LABOUR OFFERING. (Own Correspondent.) The strike of slaughtermen appears to be out. At Petone ana isgaiiauranga tne prospects ot tno nmu out of wow aro not xavourable. Several slaugiitorinen applied for hooks yeswnday, and were informed that there ware no positions available at feature of tho strike is the unfortunate—for themselves—position tho workers on .the “ gut” board have placed themselves in. These men when asked to return to work refused, electing to support tho slaughtermen. Other “gut” workers were easily! obtainable, and the positions of those on strike were filled. Much dissatisfaction is now rife among tho men who remained loyal to the slaughtermen on account of a number going back to work at tho instigation of the union executive, while they (the “ gut ” runners) had to remain idle. If tho strike is declared off, how many slaughtermen and “ gut” workers will be able to secure work? This is a question that is troubling the men. It is certain that married men will receive preference, and single men who have obtained positions outside the meat works wcftxld be well advised to remain where they are. The way the strike has been conducted has been very creditable. Up to last week there were no complaints in regard to offensive remarks to free labourers. A slaughterman, however, forgot himself on Monday night, and used offensive remarks to a free labourer, with tho result that he is to appear before the court on Friday week. -