WORK STOPPED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 13, 16 January 1936, Page 8

WORK STOPPED

AUCKLAND SLAUGHTERMEN CHAIN SYSTEM GRADING DISPUTE OVER WAGES I Per Prea» Amorist on. | AUCKLAND, Jan. 15. A stoppage of work in the slaughtering departments at the Westfield freezing works occurred to-day following upon a stop work meeting of mutton butchers. Slaughtering operations ceased at 10 a.m., when the. men held a meeting to discuss wage grievances. Proceedings extended until noon, when the works management decided to close down the department for the day. It is understood that the issues discussed at the meeting concern omy slaughtermen engaged in killing lam os and sheep on the. -‘chain” system which has been in vogue al the works since 1932. After killing, the sheep are suspended on an overhead ‘‘chain,’’ and pass along in front of the slaughtermen. Each man carries out a single operation, and the management has graded the work and the men for remuneration purposes into three grades. According to statements by the men, there is considerable dissatisfaction among the two lower-graded workers. They contend that there is too great a disparity in wages and claim that a uniform rate should be paid. Representations were made 1o the management and the men were informed that the points would be considered and a definite replv given to-morrow. A number of the lower paid men. however, were insistent on a prompt settlement being reached and the discussions continued until the lunch hour, when the department was shut down hy the management and the men left the works. About 2(H) slaughtermen are directly concerned in the dispute and a further meeting is Io he held nt the works prior Io commencing operations tomorrow.