WORKS OPERATING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17952, 2 December 1932, Page 4

WORKS OPERATING

AMPLE LABOR AVAILABLE POSITION AT TOKOMARU BAY There was no shortage of labor at the ToLomaru Buy freezing works when they opened yesterday, and this morning the employees on the killing floor were more than adequate to handle the volume pf stock offered. Throughout all departments the works is staffed up to requirements, and no difficulty is anticipated when, in thy course of the season’s development, it is found necessary to add to the number, of employees. The men employed on the killing floor this morning had been increased to 12, and other departments were manned oil a corresponding scale.

Tn Gisborne the position has not altered greatly from day to day, anil while the Kaiti works are operating without fri.tion among the union anil non-union men engaged, the bulk of the Freezers’ Union members in the town arc standing out of employment in conformity with the decision reached prior to the actual opening of the works. Some hope of an early settlement is entertained generally, though the works management claims to have overcome the initial difficulties capsed through' a shortage of experienced slaughtermen, by the training of learners who offered their services in more than sufficient numbers.

A reflection of the trouble between unionists and the Kaiti works management is furnished in. the case of the casing factory of Messrs. S. Oppenheimer and Company, Limited, in Awnpnni road. In this facto,rv, during normal seasons, work is available for as many as 17 or 18 unionist workers, but owing to the dispute as to rates of pay, non-union labor lias had to be employed for the early weeks of this season. There are only two men on the staff at the Awapniii road factory at present, as the product of-the Kaiti works which the factory handles is not yet sufficient to give work to more, but when grown sheep are passing through the works in large numbers, the staff will be increased to the normal number. In addition, Messrs. Opneuheimer and Company employ men who work in the casing department of the Kaiti works, four nonunionists being placed there at present. All ample sumilv of Jnhbr has been available to date.