CONCILIATION COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3803, 1 February 1927, Page 7

CONCILIATION COUNCIL.

DEADLOCK IN NEGOTIATIONS. When the hearing of the claims by the Otago Drivers’ Union against the "dairy farmers, inchiding two companies, was resumed on Wednesday morning, those present, in addition to the commissioner, were: Messrs A. S. Cookson (for the employers), W. Herbert, H. Sawyers, and J. M. Panton (for the union). In response to the commissioner’s question whether Mr Cookson was the sole representative of the employers, that gentleman said it was hardly worth while the' other assessors attending. The position adopted, as indicated at the previous sitting of the council, was that no award could be made under this application— at any rate, against the dairy farmers. The employees of the two dairy companies stated definitely that they did not want to .be bound, and were not in favour of the application. Under the circumstances it seemed absurd for them to discuss the application in an attempt to come to an agreement. “We want to refer the dispute to the court,” concluded the speaker, ‘to sea whether an award can be made on the application of the Drivers’ Union employees of the dairy farmers, -which include the two dairy companies.” Mr Herbert said he quite understood the attitude of the employers, and he had anticipated that the case would have to be referred to the court. A majority of the members of the union had made application for the award, and he could not understand the employers’ attitude in that respect. Ho would have preferred the council to fix up the award, and he felt that, as a result of the attitude of the employers, Hie court would put clauses in the award which they might not favour. Mr Cooksonl understand the commissioner has received a letter from the men, although I have not seen it. Mr Hagger: It is in the papers. Air Cookson: Well, surely that is an indication that the men do not want an award.

The Commissioner read a petition signed by 20 employees of the Taieri and Peninsula and Otago Co-operative Dairy Companies. _ The petitioners disclaimed any connection with the dispute; they were not desirous of an award and would not become members of the union.

“W e will have to refer this case to the Arbitration Court with no recommendation,” said Mr Hagger. “I am sorry this .position has arisen, but this is one of those cases where it cannot be helped. I can only leave it to you to fight the matter out in the court.”