FREEZING WORKS

Southland Times, Issue 20016, 2 November 1926, Page 7

FREEZING WORKS

SANER SPIRIT SHOWN MEETING AT HASTINGS LARGE MAJORITY READY TO WORK (Per United Press Association.) . Hastings, November 1. The meeting of freezing workers yesterday was more or less a fiasco, because, though there was a strong element present who were out for going to work, they could only beat the air, as no resolution in alidating the original resolution would be received. “It is difficult to conceive the difference, claimed to exist, and the action of the freezers in declining work,” one man said. “Here is a body of men describing themselves as a freezers’ union, who as their title indicates are intimately connected with the operations of the works, and who year after year seek employment by the companies, deliberately (and as a result of combined action) breaking a solemn contract.” From what can be gathered, one thing seems to be outstanding—that the temper of the meeting yesterday was unmistakably for work. Mr A. McLeod, district secretary, would disclose nothing whatever regarding the business transacted, or the result of the meeting, but it is unofficially reported that it is proposed to hand in notice of motion rescinding the original resolution and in favour of going to work, which extends the hope that things may even yet be smoothed over, although the works may be held up for a week. There was only an attendance of about ninety men at the meeting held a couple of weeks ago, out of a roll of, it is said, 1,000; whilst the attendance yesterday was easily four times that, and the meeting was inspired with a saner spirit. The apparent lack of interest in the original meeting is accounted for by members of the union being absent from the district in work elsewhere. It is stated that an effort is being made to prevent the holding of another meeting, on the ground that the matter has gone out of the workers’ control, and is now in the hands of the Alliance of Labour; but, as a large majority of yesterday’s meeting were ready to go to work, they will not be disposed to take this lying down. Conditions at the three works this morning were quiet, there being praeticaUy no applications for work, although the regular maintenance hands came on as usual. No picketing was observable. The trouble comes at a very critical time for the farmers, who want to lighten holdings of “fats” in face of the dry weather and poor markets. POSITION IN CANTERBURY. SOUTH ISLAND WORKERS WARNED NOT TO GO NORTH. Trouble in the freezing trade in New Zealand, it is feared, may, if it comes to a head, cause a hold-up, or the institution of “go-slow” tactics, says the Lyttelton Times. Efforts are being made to prevent any hold-up, and farmers have been approached in every district with a view to seeing if they will turn to as “free labour” slaughtermen in the event of trouble. From 250 to 300 men will be affected should any trouble occur in Canterbury, where the season should open about December. There are seven works in Canterbury Province. Although officials will make no definite statement, it is understood to be generally agreed that the works of the province may be drawn into the dispute with t.he Canterbury section of the New Zealand Freezing Trades Federation. A meeting of the Freezing Workers’ Union was held in the Trades Hall on Saturday evening, at which the dispute in the North Island was discussed. No report was issued as to the decision of the union. It was expected that a definite move would be made yesterday, when the Hawke’s Bay works opened. Work will be offered to the men at the award rates, and later action will depend on the acceptance or rejection of that offer. In the event of rejection it is expected tbot the fanners will enter the works, and that the slaughtering will be done by free labour. A significant point is that South Island slaughtermen have been warned by the workers’ union not to go to the North Island or to make engagements there. In regard to the opening of Canterbury work?, it was expected that one company would open this month, and that others would open in December. This is earlier than usual, but there has always been an expressed desire by farmers that provision should be made for early lambs. A little killiing has already been done. It is understood that the Affiance of Labour is handling the dispute on behalf of the union in the North Island. The men have demanded an increase on the rates provided for in the award. The award, which was made for a period of three years, does not expire until June next. When the dispute was before the Arbitration Court the employers asked that the period be for one year only, but the union asked for a longer period. The Court, in its judgment, decided upon a three-year period. VOLUNTEER LABOUR OFFERING. In the event of trouble in the freezing industry in the coming season, the employers in Canterbury intend being in a position to cope with any untoward developments, says the Christchurch Press. In conjunction with the freezing companies, the Canterbury A. & P. Association, Sheepowners’ Union, and Farmers’ Union have for some time been organising, with a view to meeting adequately any situation which may arise similar to last year. This information was given to a reporter of The Press on Saturday, by an officer of one of the organisations named. In another quarter it was ascertained that a, gratifying response had been received. From 250 to 300 slaughtermen will be affected if the trouble spreads to Canterbury. Mr F. C. Ellis, secretary of the Canterbury Freezing Workers’ Union, has called a meeting of South Canterbury membera at Timaru on November 15.