THREAT OF A STRIKE.

Patea Mail, Volume XLV, 21 February 1921, Page 4

THREAT OF A STRIKE.

ELTHAM BACON WORKERS. During the past few days some trouble has arisen at the Eltham branch of the New Zealand Moat Packing and Bacon Curing Company’s works, on account of the men demanding an increase of wages in accordance with the latest award, which, so far as can be gathered, the company is not prepared to pay. The men are not unionists, but base their demands upon the union rate of wages. In answer to an Eltham Argus representative or. 'Thursday, Mr. Dewhirst, the company's local secretary, said the whole of the staff, with the exception of the heads of the departments, waited upon him on Wednesday and delivered an ultimatum demanding the union rate of wages fixed by the latest award, with the alternative that if this was not granted on Saturday they would go out on strike Mr. Dcwhirst, after giving the matte: due consideration, informed the men that he would submit their demands to the head office, but could not see his way to recommend compliance with them. The reason for Ids attitude was ■explained by the secretary, who said the bottom had fallen' right out of the slaughtering business just at present, while the wages being paid are quite good. The demand of tTic men is for 15 per cent, additional wages.